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GREETINGS: It ^s our sincere wish that all of our readers will enjoy
Healthy Happiness and Prosperity through the year 1916.

rrfl

The National Monthly of Electric Practice

233 Us^SKfflwsiyi, W®w "S"®ff!k

JANUARY, 1916

:-:.s&m^-:-

HOLD-A-SHADE

Send Today for BULLETIN H

mek-k ELECTRIC MFG. CO.

BRIDGEPORT, CONN.

HOLD-A-SHADE

ELECTRICAL AGE

AND INSULATOR PINS

"Standard for 50 Years"

Stock Sizes for all voltages and specials made
to order

MXWDIUD

REG U S PAT OFF

2 Rector St.
New York

WRITE FOR CATALOG

Get Your Copy of the New Price Booklet

RAVEN CORE WIRE

R~ubber Covered Wire

Ask for Booklet 23- W

New York Insulated Wire Co., New York

CHICAGO

Agencies and Branches

BOSTON SAN FRANCISCO

The Last Word in Fuses
A New Type B Fuse

3-60 Amperes. 250-600 Volts.

CAPS removed by the twist
of your wrist, no tools
whatever are required.
The fusible element comes in
rolls of one % lb. to the roll,
and averages 500 renewals to
the roll. Send for bulletin
H-21 and sample free.

A. F. DAUM CO.

Pittsburgh, Pa.

SOMETHING NEW

A tree wire with
non-metallic
armor.

Ask
about it.

FIBREX
TREE WIRE

MANUFACTURERS

201 DEVONSHIRE ST.. BOSTON

CHICACO SAN FRANCISCO

ELECTRIC LIGHTING
PLANTS

For Country Homes

SCHUG ELECTRIC MFG.
COMPANY

Detroit, Mich.

SAMSON SPOT ARC LAMP CORD

Solid braided cotton, waterproofed. Will outwear metallic devices or
twisted rope, and will not transmit shocks.

Send for sample and catalogue.
SAMSON CORDAGE WORKS = Boston, Mass.

MILLIONS

NUNGESSER BRUSHES

Are in Service on Automobile Starting and Lighting Sets

Orders on hand for Metal and Graphite
Brushes for 1916 have forced us to
double our capacity. If you have any
brush problems of quality, service or
delivery, write us.

The Nungesscr Carbon & Battery Co.

CLEVELAND, OHIO

The National Monthly oj Electric Practice

Formerly ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Ess$i<e(& M©saftM^ toy "ffcgceliasiiacgall J<E>mir snail <S©.a Hsu®.

IKB^S W©©flw©fftffla BM§o8 Mdw ^f©5?Ik

Slia;as0 SB. 1FSa®iEajpg©aii3 IPir<BsM®H&ft Wism- IF. Usstomaoa,, WS<s® I?!?®g0

SOUTHERN OFFICE, GRANT BLDG., ATLANTA, GA. CHICAGO OFFICE, 651 MARQUETTE BLDG.

Telephones : New York, Barclay 1448 ; Chicago, Central 3792

Volume 48

JANUARY, 1916

Number 1

flT^O

ismtjj§>

Modern Electrical Inside Construction

March of Electrical Progress .

Electrical Growth Under War Conditions in England

Incandescent Lamp Progress .

Science in its Relation to Engineering .

Coming Growth of Domestic Demand

Something That People Ought to Know .

Determining Standard for Electric Service

Electrical Fathers : Alessandro Volta

Editorial ......

Trade Literature .....

Review of the Month ....

Business Opportunities ....

Page
INSTALLATION, OPERATION, POWER APPLICA-
TION.

Street Lighting by White Flame Arc Lamps .
Direct Current Booster Notes ....
- Alternator Bearing Heated .....
Electrical Thawing of Frozen Pipes .
Switchboard Facilities for Testing Instruments
Various Dimmer Devices
Starting of Alternating Current Motors .

PROBLEMS IN ELECTRIC PRACTICE.

Grounding of High-Tension Overhead Details
Ground Wiring of Transmission Lines
Problems for Solution .....

Charging Current ......

Boosters, Boosting and Bucking .

Direct Current Booster Connections .

Three-phase, Four-Wire System .

Transmission and Distribution .

A Test for Three-Phase Motor Connections

Questions and Answers . .

COMMERCIAL.

Getting After the Unwired Residences

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Emphasizing the Domestic Power Service .
Co-Operating With Inspection Authorities .
Electrically Operated Motion Signs on Horse-
Drawn Trucks ......

Effective Central Station Postcard
Locating Fire-Alarm Boxes at Night .

NEW PRODUCTS.

Adjustable Flexible Grinder

Vacuum Suction Washing Machine

Automobile Engine Warmer .

Self-Starter for Small D.C. Motors .

New Enamelled Reflectors

Conduit Terminal Cap ....

A Strong Attachment Plug .

Reflector for Industrial Lighting

"Beehive" Reflector ....

New Portable Lamp ....

Polarized Attachment Plugs

Porcelain Clad Bell-Ringing Transformers

Lifting Electro-Magnets

Wireless Telephone Outfits .

Rural Electric Plant ....

Notes and Legal Notes ....

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SUBSCRIPTION PRICE — United States and Posessions, Mexico and Cuba $1.00 a year.
Canada $1.50 a year. Foreign Countries in Postal Union $2.00.

CAUTION — Do not pay solicitors, unless they present written authority, with date, from
the publishers to collect money.

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS — To insure insertion, all copy, cuts, etc., for changes of
regular advertisements in ELECTRICAL, AGE should reach us not later than the 25th
OF THE MONTH preceding date of publication; three days earlier if proof is de-
sired. The first advertising forms close promptly on this date.

NEW or ADDITIONAL advertising not to occupy fixed position, can be inserted in a
special form up to the 30th.

•OOITElIClKlCALUr

Recognized Organ of the Southern Trade.

Member Audit Bureau of Circulation.

Illlllllll!

TRICAL AGE

January, 1916

COLUMBIA

j ■

PRODUCTS

CATALOGUE
Ntx8

fcoLuwaiA-ouAurA

CABINETS

CUT-OUT BOXES

GANG SWITCH BOXES

SPECIAL CONDUIT FITTINGS

"XELET" CONDUIT FITTINGS

CONDUIT CLAMPS

BUSHINGS

COLUMBIA METAL BOX CO.

224-228 EAST M4th STREET
NEW YORK

Write for this new catalog and

discount sheet that gives you

better prices than ever before on

Columbia Products.

COLUMBIA METAL BOX CO. ,

226-228 East 144th St. NEW YORK

Paranite Rubber Covered Wires
made to meet all requirements of
New Code Specifications. For
Aerial, Submarine, Underground
and Inside Use. Telephone, Tele-
graph, Signal Electric Light and
Power Wires and Cables.

Manufactured by

Indiana Rubber and Insulated
Wire Company

JONESBORO, INDIANA

^^^ Stands for Quality in
?Q|^-|^p> Brackets anj p0je

Line Hardware

Mushroom Guy Anchor

No. 875 Secondary Rack
Send for our new 70-page catalog.

Barnes & Kobert Mfg. Co.,

MILLDALE, CONN

Detach-
able
Pole Step

!H0 IT ELECTRICALLY""

For 30 Years the Standard

"O. K." Weatherproof Wire

"Parac" Rubber Wire

Bare Copper Wire

Slow Burning Weatherproof

Railway Feeder Wire

Slow Burning Wire

Phillips Insulated Wire Co.

PAWTUCKET, R. I.
Mexican Branch

Cia Mexicans de Alambre "Philips," Mexico City

Universal

Test

Clips

15-2") AND 100 AMP. SIZES

Free sample — use
company letterhead or
state your position.

Time Savers In Any Electrical Work
Requiring Quick Temporary Connections

Unexcelled for test sets, meters, transformers and
motor test floors, shop test benches, college and labora-
tories, motion picture projection work and storage
battery charging.

R. S. MUELLER & CO. 419 High Ave., S. E., Clevrland

The National Monthly oj Electric Practice

Formerly ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

3,(B4i2 W©©aw®s-^Sa lli|n9 M&w 1T©ir!k

®. IffSa®aimTps®!mi, IPjms&dtejmii Wans. IF. lESfflstamaiirag ^il<G<s

SOUTHERN OFFICE, GRANT BLDG., ATLANTA, GA. CHICAGO OFFICE, 651 MARQUETTE BLDG.

Telephones : New York, Barclay 1448; Chicago, Central 3192

Volume 48

FEBRUARY, 1916

Number 2

©DMFIEIHPI)

Jordan River Electric Plant, -

Central Station Demand and Diversity Factors,

Science and Invention -

Recent Electrical Patents of Interest

New Incandescent Arc Lamp -

Electric Construction Costs in New England

Here and There -

Electrical Fathers : Andre Marie Ampere

Editorial -,..-._

All Around the World -

Trade Literature . -

Review of the Month

Business Opportunities -

INSTALLATION, OPERATION, POWER APPLI- d'"e
CATION.

Home-Made Testing Outfit for Small Central

Stations ........ 43

Trouble Indicator for Substations ... 44

Motor-Generator or Rectifier 45

How to Remedy Low-Voltage Generator

Troubles 45

Constructing a Home-Made Low-Voltage Trans-
former ........ 46

Why the Motor Sparked 46

What One Live Electrician Did . . . .47

PROBLEMS IN ELECTRIC PRACTICE.

Protection or Regulation ..... 50

Problems for Solution ...... 51

Discussion of Problems ..... 52

Testing Out Street Light Circuits ..." 53

More About Transmission Line Protection . . 53

Questions and Answers ..... 54

COMMERCIAL.

Enlightening the Landlord . . 55

Factory Lighting ....

Creating a Demand

Electric Service as "Safety First"

1916 Fan Window Display Contest

Outbuilding Lighting .

Increasing Sales Impetus in the Store

NEW PRODUCTS.

New Washing Machine Motor

"Quick-Hot" Immersion Heater

Master Cronograph

Side Outlet Socket

Flashlight in Cane or Umbrella

Curve Recording and Analyzing Devices

Arrester for Line Voltage Surges

Single-Cylinder Horizontal Oil Engine

New Conduit Service Cap

"Attacho" Electric Lantern .

A Reliable Insulating Material

A New "Dry" Storage Battery

Spark Plug Tester

Cutting Ice by Electric Light

New Insulating Material

Page

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MEMBER

SUBSCRIPTION PRICE— United States and Posessions, Mexico and Cuba $1.00 a year.
Canada $1.50 a year. Foreign Countries in Postal Uuion $2.00.

CAUTION— Do not pay solicitors, unless they present written authority, with date, from
the publishers to collect money.

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS— To insure insertion, all copy, euts, etc., for changes of
regular advertisements in ELECTRICAL AGE should reach us not later thau the 25th

oof is de-
serted in a

01' ±HE MONTH preceding date of publication; three days earlier if pr

sired, ihe lust advertising forms close promptly on this date.

NEW or ADDITIONAL advertising not to occupy fixed position, can be ins<

-pecial form up to the 30th.

rrEuciKiCALur

Recognized Organ of the Southern Trade. Member Audit Bureau of Circulation.

Illlllllll

ELECTRICAL AGE

February, 191 5

Air Volume, Not Velocity, Is The
True Measure Of Fan Efficiency

Fans are often judged by comparing the
velocities of the breeze they produce. This
method is incorrect as the blade construction
of a fan may be such as to impart a high veloc-
ity to the air while the air leaves the blades at
a very narrow angle. The area it affects and
the volume of air moved is consequently low.

To stand in front of such a fan, how-
ever, one would get the impression that it is
more powerful than another fan which gives
relatively low velocity but throws the air out
from the blades at a wider angle and moves a
greater volume.

And in judging a fan the volume of air
moved should be considered as well as ve-
locity, for the fan which gives wide distribution
and moves a large volume of air will cool a
larger place and give greater comfort than the
fan which moves a smaller volume of high
velocity.

A high velocity breeze may really prove objectionable and unpleasant if one
remains in it any length of time. Then too, high velocity is usually accompanied
with a disagreeable air hum.

The greatest comfort from a fan is obtained with a gentle breeze of large
volume and wide distribution — such as is obtained with Robbins & Myers Fans.

Robbins & Myers Fans are made in all styles and sizes — 6-inch to 16 - in
drawn steel and cast iron frame construction. And every fan is guaranteed to satis-
fy your customers.

Write for catalog and trade discounts

THE ROBBINS & MYERS COMPANY

SPRINGFIELD, OHIO, U. S. A.

BRANCHES WHERE STOCKS ARE CARRIED

NEW YORK
ST. LOUIS

PHILADELPHIA
CINCINNATI

CLEVELAND

BOSTON

CHICAGO

SAN FRANCISCO

x£sm

The National Monthly oj Electric Practice

a®4i^ w©©iw?©%m mm<§oy m®w Y©wik

CHICAGO OFFICE, 651 MARQUETTE BLDG. CLEVELAND OFFICE, 413 CITIZENS BLDG.

Telephones : New York, Barclay 1448; Chicago, Central 3792 ; Cleveland, Main 557

Volume 48

MARCH, 1916

Number 3

High-tension Out-door Substations

Testing Insulators for Dielectric Strength

Water-power Control in the United States

Present Status of Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution

General News -

All Around the World -

Electrical Fathers — George Simon Ohm

Editorial ------

New Fans and Improvements for 1916
Recent Electrical Patents of Interest
General and Legal - - -
Review of the Month
Business Opportunities -

Page

INSTALLATION, OPERATION AND POWER APPLI-
CATION.
Arrangement and Ventilation of Storage Battery

Rooms ........ 41

Concentric Wiring ...... 42

A Simple, Low-Voltage Rheostat ... 42

Unique Magnetic Separator Pulley ... 43

Feeder Regulators Interchanged . . . 43

Operating a Mexican Plant 43

Getting Shocks from Grounded Conductors . 44

Washing "Filthy Lucre" Electrically ... 44

PROBLEMS IN ELECTRIC PRACTICE.

Testing Series Street Light Circuits ... 45

Testing by Magneto ...... 45

Voltage Rise in Series Transformers ... 46

Metering Lamps on a Motor Load ... 40

Problems for Solution ...... 46

Induction Motor Won't Reverse .... 47

Minimum Wiring ....... 47

Current Division in Transformer ... 47

Charging Current . Again ..... 47

Three-phase, 4- wire Distribution ... 48

Grounding a Neutral ...... 48

Closed Conducting Shell
Divided Battery Circuits
Questions and Answers

Page

30
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34
36

37
38
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51

„ 68

Page

48
49
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COMMERCIAL.

"Wire Your Home-' Week ....
Electrical Sign Advertising ....
Getting More Electric Fan Business .

NEW PRODUCTS.

Electrically Controlled Air Compressor Set

Improved All-Metal Washing Machine

New Type Recording Meters

Field and Armature Coil Tester

Electric Automobile Heater .

Electric Door Switch .

Non-Short-Circuiting Flash Light

Direct- Conected Lighting Plant

Outdoor Metal Art Fixtures

Mogul "Shurlock" Socket .

Current and Potential Metering

"Columbia" Metal Cabinet .

"Venus" Storage Battery

Transformer

5s
50

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65

SUBSCRIPTION PRICE — United States and Posessions, Mexico and Cuba $1.00 a year.
Canada $1.50 a year. Foreign Countries in Postal Union $2.00.

CAUTION — Do not pay solicitors, unless they present written authority, with date, from
the publishers to collect money.

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS — To insure insertion, all copy, cuts, etc., for changes of
regular advertisements in ELECTRICAL AGE should reach us not later than the 25th
OF THE MONTH preceding date of publication ; three days earlier if proof Is de-
sired. The first advertising forms close promptly on this date.

NEW or ADDITIONAL advertising not to occupy fixed position, can be inserted in a
pecial form up to the 30th.

Member Audit Bureau of Circulation.

•DOITEUCikICAUJC

ELECTRICAL AGE

March, 1916

It Is Now Possible To Put A Fan In Every
Wired Home In Your City

The low cost of the Robbins &
Myers 6-inch Desk Fan, places it with-
in reach of everyone who has electric
current in his home.

And this new fan is ideal for
household use. The motor is large and
powerful and the blades have a steep
pitch, giving the kind of breeze one
would expect from a much larger fan.

The motor is universal and will
operate on any direct or alternating
current circuit where the voltage is .any-
thing from 100 to 120 volts. This fact,
together with the small size and light
weight of the fan makes it ideal for the
traveling mm, as he can easily carry
it in his traveling bag and use it any-
where he may stop.

The drawn steel frame of this fan is graceful in design and attractively
finished. The switch in the ba*e provides two running spetds. A felt pad
covers the base and enables the fan to be pi iced 01 the most highly polished
surfaces without danger of marring the finish.

In everv detail this fan comes up to the Robbins & Myers standard of
quality. With proper care it should give a lifeiime of service. It is sold under
the same guarantee as the larger sizes and ihe dealer selling it is sure that every
fan will stay sold and be a working advertisement wuich will make more sales
for him.

Each fan is equipped with a cord and plug.

Write to-day if you haven't made arrangements to handle this new line.

THE ROBBINS & MYERS COMPANY

SPRINGFIELD, OHIO. U. S. A.

BRANCHES WHERE STOCKS ARE CARRIED

NEW YORK

CLEVELAND
ST. LOUIS

PHILADELPHIA
CINCINNATI

BOSTON
CHICAGO

SAN FRANCISCO

:;i i,:i:i::i i,:i.i..; I.,! i ■ mi:. ! i: r:1 i:,i ;;:mi.; i' i i!.i'.i:i!i;i:u :"!■ :i:i .i;; i |!;|::^u:l:!l'.!!;l,1:Hl|!i|,l, '

2.<g^g W©©]lw©2^Ih 1M|]0? Itw T©i?Ik
C2aas» B. THa®2imps®aa5 PsresMemft Waoa. IF. Easftamam, Vice Pres.

CHICAGO OFFICE, 1209 WESTMINISTER BLDG. CLEVELAND OFFICE, 413 CITIZENS BLDC.

Telephones : New York, Barclay 7448 ; Chicago, Central 3192 ; Cleveland, Main 557

Volume 48

APRIL, 1916

Number 4

Reinforced Concrete Poles -------

Uses and Starting of Synchronous Motors

Present Status of Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution

News Notes -._.--_-

All Around the World

Electrical Fathers — Michael Faraday

Editorial -

Recent Electrical Patents of Interest -

Trade Literature

General and Legal - - -

Review of the Month

Business Opportunities , -

Page

INSTALLATION, OPERATION AND POWER APPLI-
CATION.
Testing Relays with Cycle Recorder .
Operation of Resistance- Reactance Motors <>
Machine Tools ......

Bearing Currents ......

Heat-Unit Coal-Buying Chart

Boosting Producer Gas-Plant Efficiency

Care and Installation of Electric Apparatus

PROBLEMS IN ELECTRICAL PRACTICE.
Making Small Reactance Coils
Design of Small Reactance Coil .
Problems for Solution .....
Determining Power Factor With Wattmeter
Effect of Brush Shifting on Motor Speed .
Solution of Charging Current Problem
An Iron Pipe Ground With a Rock-Salt Filling
Protection of Ground Pipes from Corrosion
Questions and Answers .....

45
46
46

47
48
48
49
49
50

COMMERCIAL.

Stimulating the Service Demand .
Summer Resort Rates ....
Dealers' Problems .....
Poster Prize Competition for America's

trical Week . . . .
Where the Jobber Comes in .
An Advertisement That Drew
Another Pull for "Safety First" .
Teaching Electrical Wiring in the Schools

NEW PRODUCTS.
Motor-Driven Bench Drill
Improved Strong Battery Cover .
Traveler's Electric Fan .
Concentric Wiring Devices .
Monogram Clock Control
Porcelain Socket with Iron Yoke
Emergency Connectors .
"Vapor Proof Lighting Fixture
Quick-Snap Shade Holder
Electric Riveting Machine

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61

MEMBER

SUBSCRIPTION PRICE — United States and Posessions, Mexico and Cuba $1.00 a year.
Canada $1.50 a year. Foreign Countries in Postal Union $2.00.

CAUTION — Do not pay solicitors, unless they present written authority, with date, from
the publishers to collect money.

NEW or ADDITIONAL advertising not to occupy fixed position, can be inserted in a
pecial form up to the 30th.

"DOITELECIHlCAUy;

Member Audit Bureau of Circulation.

■■■Illlllllllllllllll

ELECTRICAL AGE April, 1916

A LETTER

March 6, 1916
Mr. A. Hall Berry,

97 Warren St.,

New York City.
Dear Sir:

This is your authority to advise the trade that
Duraduct as now manufactured and as it has been
manufactured for some time in no way infringes
any patents.

Our engineers have developed a great im-
provement in conduit construction. The tube is
made entirely of high grade cotton yarns. This
permits the compounds to permeate the tube
whereas all ordinary methods of conduit making
allow for merely a surface compounding.

The value of this achievement is big. We
have done what has been considered impossible.

Yours truly,

Tubular Woven Fabric Company.

Essua^dl M©35ii£My Ib^" I^IfoMcgsiIl ^©tamai C©.3 1.

CHICAGO OFFICE, 1209 WESTMINISTER BLDG.

Telephones : New York, Barclay 7448 ; Chicago, Central 3792

Volume 48

MAY, 1916

Number 5

OTMl^lHFS

Largest Turbo-Generator in the World -

National Electric Light Association Convention

Present Status of Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution

Care and Operation of Electric Trucks -

Routine Testing of Insulators with High-Frequency Alternating Current -

Electrical Fathers — Joseph Henry - -

Editorial ------ __..

Recent Electrical Patents of Interest - - -

Trade Literature - - -

General and Legal - - -

Review of the Month - _'/_•_'

Business Opportunities - -

Page

25
29

35
36

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64

65
66

67
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Page

INSTALLATION, OPERATION AND POWER
APPLICATION.

Adjusting the Compounding of a Generator . 42
Ett'ect of Painting ou Anchor Bolt Corrosion and

Bond ........ 40

Strength of Interpoles ...... 41

Adjusting the Compounding of a Generator . 42

Why Genuerator Wouldn't Build Up . . . 42

Care and Installation of Electrical Apparatus . 4:'.

Chart Showing Length of Rolled-up Belts . 44

PROBLEMS IN ELECTRIC PRACTICE.

Methods of Rating and Determining Auto-
Transformers ....... 45

A Motor Trouble 40

Two-phase to three-phase Auto-Transformers . 47

Non-Syphoning Joints ...... 4S

Economy of Three-phase Transmission . . 4S

Problems for Solution ...... 4!)

Questions and Answers . .... 50

COMMERCIAL.

Some Novel Effects with Electric Light . . 51

Very Small Motor Aids the Cabaret .
National Electric Range Campaign Planned
Electricity for Municipal Housecleaning .
Dealers' Problems .....

' American and English Military Cars .
A Simple Brake for Feeder Regulators .

NEW PRODUCTS.
Ward Leonard Field Rheostats .
The Mechanical Arm .
A New Adapter Resistance .
Outdoor Fixtures for Electric Lights
Motor Drive for Cone-Pulley Lathes
Electric Water Heater .
Electric Ranges
Electric Polishing Lathe
Oil Pressure Pump
Guy Wire Protector
Diffuser for Nitrogen-filled Lamps
No More Cold Feed for Policemen
"Official Public Service Reports"
"Star" Fans for 1916 .

50
50
50
00
00
00
60
61
01
01
62
02
6*
63

SUBSCRIPTION PRICE— United States and Posessions, Mexico and Cuba $1.00 a year.
Canada $1.50 a year. Foreign Countries in Postal Union $2.00.

CAUTION — Do not pay solicitors, unless they present written authority, with date, from
the publishers to collect money.

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS— To insure insertion, all copy, euts, etc., for changes of
regular advertisements in ELECTRICAL, AGE should reach us not later than the 25th
OF THE MONTH preceding date of publication; three days earlier if proof is de-
sired. The first advertising forms close promptly on this date.

NEW or ADDITIONAL advertising not to occupy fixed position, can be inserted in a
pecial form up to the 30th.

Member Audit Bureau of Circulation.

•oorTEUCiKiovoiC'

Ii:i!llllllillllll!llll!lllllllllllllllllillll!llllllllll

HIP

May, 1916

CKER-WHEELER

BALTIMORE CINCINNATI

BIRMINGHAM CLEVELAND

BOSTON DENVER

CHICAGO DETROIT

COMPANY

AMPERE, N.J.

NEW HAVEN PITTSBURG
NEWARK ST. PAUL

NEW YORK SAN FRANCISCO
ILADELPHIA SYRACUSE

STURDY LITTLE MOTORS THAT WITHSTAND THE LAYMAN'S ABUSE

llllllllllll!llllllllllllllllllllllll!lllllllllllll|ilHIIIIIII

lllllllllll

Chas. B. TBieampsosai, IPsresMesaii Wan. F. IS®stsoEaam, Vice Psres.

CHICAGO OFFICE, 1209 WESTMINISTER BLDG.

Telephones : New York, Barclay 7448 ; Chicago, Central 3792

Volume 48

JUNE, 1916

Number 6

©©MIEIHR

Electrical Equipment of the William Penn Hotel -

National Electric Light Association Convention

Equipment of Philadelphia Electric Company's New Generating Station

Electrical Fathers — James Clerk Maxwell ---•■-

Editorial ------- ____

The Care of the. Feet -.-,-'- ___-_

Personal and Obituary Notes -

Recent Electrical Patents of Interest - - -

Books Reviews -'-...'- - ____

New Power Plants - - -

Legal Notes ---_ _ ____

Trade Literature -_.- ..____-

Review of the Month --'.''- ■--'--,.-- '

INSTALLATION, OPERATION, AND POWER
PLICATION.

The Mazda Lamp in a New Field

A: New High-Tension Outdoor Switch .

A Useful Device for Repairmen . .

Reversing the Polarity of Rotary Converters

Mpying Poles While in Service .

Cost of a Concrete Building . . . .
PROBLEMS IN ELECTRICAL PRACTICE.

Calculation and Construction of Rheostats .

Unsatisfactory Bell-Ringing Transformer .

A Problem in Alternating Currents .

A Case of Interference .....

The Cost of Slipping Belts ....

Advantage of Similar Motors

A Novel Signalling Device ....
■COMMERCIAL.

An Example of Profitable Co-operation

Meter Reading by the Consumer .

Sales Value of Illumination ....

Bringing Patrons to Display Room .
, Snappy Phrases for Window cards .

Page
AP-

1 37
39
40

' 40
41
41

56
56
56

U. S. Mail for Lamp Deliveries .
Novel Use for Electric Air Heater
Louisville Housewiring Records Again Broken
Northern Idaho Company's Appliance Campaigi
A Pertinent Demonstration .
Telephone Company's Illuminated Flag-
Electrical Requirements of Large Cities
NEW PRODUCTS
A Meter- Reading Camera
A Battery-Charging Set
A New Pulmotor ....
Motor Generator for Projection Work
An Eraser Cleaner
Repulsion-Induction Motor .
A New Wire Connector .
A Combination Automobile Lamp
Pole-Top Gin ....

A Kitchen Power Plant
Automatic Reclosing Circuit Breaker
Brain Saving Line Calculator
Improved Battery Connector
Conduit Fittings ....

Page
25
29

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35
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61
62
63
63
65
7*
74

Page

58
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58

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Canada $1.50 a year. Foreign Countries in Postal Union $2.00.

CAUTION — Do not pay solicitors, unless they present written authority, with date, from
the publishers to collect money.

NEW or ADDITIONAL advertising not to occupy fixed position, can be inserted in a
pecial form up to the 30th.

-DOIT UEClKlCAUUC'

Member Audit Bureau of Circulation.

j a

iHymnniniiiiii

iir ■ ■,

ELECTRICAL AGE

June, tqi6

Now Ready

'--. ;

ivery

r . ;
Offices

,1.1 UPCJ-* --mp-W

/ ,

-;i ■'

I1SP5I

PHI

fctib .

■ ■ ■■■?■ fmm^ -

il w
W$ Motors

have no centrifugal
switches or clutches.
They deliver 2 to 2T/2
torque at start and ac-
celerate in 2 to 5 sec-
onds.

R.I. Motors operate
quietly and have no
tendency to spark.

Will carry 50 %
overload for short pe-
riods.

Power factor and
efficiency sustained at
all loads.

Line of

Single Phase
Motors

In sizes ranging from
54 to 20 H.P. — con-
stant or variable
speed. Can be shipped
promptly. Are easily
installed. Mechanical
construction is simple,
strong and durable.

Low starting and
running current.

Reversible opera-
tion through double
throw switch.

Information on
these motors and lat-
est types of control
furnished on request.

General Electric Company

Atlanta, Ga.
Baltimore, Md.
Birmingham, Ala.
Boston, Mass.
Buffalo, N. Y.
Butte, Mont.
Charleston, W. Va.
Charlotte, N. C.

Cleveland, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio
Dayton, Ohio
Denver, Colo.
Des Moines, Iowa
Duluth, Minn.
Elmira, N. Y.
Erie, Pa.

General Office: Schenectady, N. Y.

ADDRESS NEAREST OFFICE

New Haven, Conn. St. Louis, Mo.
New Orleans, La. Salt Lake City, Utah

Chattanooga, Tenn. Fort Wayne, Ind.
Chicago, 111. Hartford, Conn.

Cincinnati, Ohio Indianapolis, Ind.

Jacksonville, Fla.
Toplin, Mo.
Kansas City, Mo.
Knoxville, Tenn.
Los Angeles, Cal.

Louisville, Ky.
Memphis, Tenn.
Milwaukee, Wis.
Minneapolis, Minn.
Nashville, Tenn.

New York, N. Y.
Niagara Falls, N. Y.
Omaha, Neb.
Philadelphia, Pa.
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Portland, Ore.
Providence, R. I.
Richmond, Va.
Rochester, N. Y.

San Francisco, Cal.
Schenectady, N. Y.
Seattle, Wash.
Spokane, Wasa.
Springfield, Mass.
Syracuse, N. Y.
Toledo, Ohio
Washington, D. C.
Voungstown, Ohio.

For Michigan Business refer to General Electric Company of Michigan, Detroit, Mich.
For Texas, Oklahoma and Arizona business refer to Southwest General Electric Company (formerly Hobson Electric Co.\ Dallas,
El Paso, Houston and Oklahoma City. For Canadian business refer to Canadian General Electric Company, Ltd., Toronto, Ont.

The National Monthly of Electric Practice

Formerly ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Technical Journal Company, Inc., New York

Vol. 48

JANUARY, 1916

No. 1

!©#ism M(§©tecgsiil Iss§M(§

Illustrating Recent Installations
By B. Gross

Advanced practical methods of installing electrical
building equipments attract particular attention in that
they show the progress that has been made in this, now
important branch of the electrical field. This progress is
very apparent in all three stages of the work, which com-
prises, first, the original design of the equipment ; second,
the execution of the same from the engineering stand-
point and thirdly, the actual construction work done on
the site. The various typical equipments described below
give evidence of this progress. Considerable credit is
due the contractors installing this work, who build up
an organization that applies special efforts towards mak-
ing improvements at all times and places. The efficiency of
the equipment after completion largely depends on the
installation thereof, and hence it follows that this co-
operation with the contractors and the owners is a most
valuable asset.

In the past, the electrical plans were drawn up by
the architect or a consulting engineer in a more or less,
usually less, complete manner and turned over to the
succcessful bidder for execution. The contractor would
invariably send these plans to his foreman at the site, who
would have to use his judgment in the installation, along
with the infrequent instructions and guidance of the
architect or engineer. This left the discovery of im-
provements entirely to a man who had to handle any-
where from 4 or 5 to 50 or 60 men and be somewheres
between the sub-basement and the roof every now and
then during the day, not to speak of the continuous nag-
ging he received from the building contractors to push
his work.

The writer personally found a case recently where
an architect distinctly showed, on his plans, for 60 per-
cent of the floors, switches on wood and glass parti-
tions 8' — o" high on 12' — o" floors with conduits di-

rectly run up from these switches to the ceiling outlets
they control. The job was a rush one, and work would
undoubtedly have been installed as laid out, the finished
floors and ceilings set, and a fine mess found when the
wood partitions were placed. This error was fortunate-
ly discovered by the contractor's engineering department
before the installation started. The contractor to-day
maintains a force of engineers in constant touch with
his jobs and applies engineering science to his work in a
practical manner. This service to the owner is invalu-
able.

Some good examples as up-to-date construction on
inside work are briefly shown, as instancing the lines
into which this practice is settling.

Some Typical Installations

A Young Men's Christian Association in one of the
largest cities in the country has recently completed an
unusually interesting equipment for a building of this
character. The energy is supplied by an isolated plant
consisting of two 200-kw. and one 75-kw. generators driv-
en by heavy duty single valve engines, operated on a steam
pressure of 100 pounds. The generators are of two-wire
type delivering direct current normally at 235 volts. The
power system in the building is on 235 volts, whereas
the lighting is 3-wire, 235/1 \'j\ volts. A pair of motor
generator balancer sets provide the neutral of the lighting
system and each will compensate for an unbalance of
68 amperes. The plant is very efficient, the exhaust
steam being utilized during all seasons for either heating,
or hot water supply throughout the building. There is
also a low- voltage bell plant of 2-500- watt motor-gen-
erator sets and a 120-ampere-hour storage battery for
supplying signal systems.

A marble switchboard in the engine room controls the
output of the plant. The generator lines are equipped
with time element and reverse current circuit breakers,

ELECTRICAL AGE

January, 1916

and a duplicate pair of switches for operating any ma-
chine on either the power or light bus alone, or in
parallel with another on either bus. The advantage of
this flexibility is evident, as the usual flickering of the
lights, due to the continuous starting of elevators, is
eliminated by having one unit provide the power ex-
clusively. When both switches of a particular machine
are in that machine provides both light and power and
the two buses are tied together through these switcnes.
Generators are paralleled with the use of a differential
voltmeter. The main ventilating fans and the elevators
are provided with a further throw-over scheme, using a
pair of switches for each, arranged -so that the feeder in
question can be shifted from the power to the lighting bus
without interfering with the service. This enables the
plant engineer to operate the units as near full load as
possible and hence maximum efficiency.

The building lighting is provided from two vertical
shafts in each of which a distributing panel is placed on
each floor. The auditorium lighting is controlled in a
very novel manner through a dead face plug and recep-
tacle switchboard which is extremely simple, flexible and
compact. It is designed to meet the new requirement
of the city authorities, which insists on dead front switch-
boards on stages, and also allows for easily connecting
an)' circuits on any dimmer. The accompanying sketch,
Fig. 1, shows clearly the general scheme. The various
stage circuits that are to be controlled from the switch-
board either through dimmers or direct on the busses
are connected each through a pair of fuses to a double
pole receptacle on section A. On panel B, eight sets ot
similar receptacles are mounted, six sets being wired in
multiples of three, each through a dimmer to a separate
circuit on panel C. The other two are connected direct

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Fig. 1 — Modern dead-front stage szmtehboard panel

January, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

to the panel without a dimmer. By the use of a two wire
flexible stage cord, each end equipped with a double pole
slug, and stage circuit or group of circuits can be plugged
onto any dimmer or straight supply. This is a very
desirable feature where special scenic effects are sought
through the use of colored lamps in the foot light and
border strips. A remote operated motor driven dimmer
is provided for the house lights, which will dim the lights
to a minimum in six seconds, and is controlled from the
stage on the stereopticon booth. All house lights are
fed from the stage board. A relay is also inserted in
the main stage feeder at the switchboard in engine room,
so arranged that a series of emergency lights in the
auditorium are automatically thrown on to the low volt-
age storage battery should the main source fail.

Taken as a whole, this is a model equipment electric-
ally, from both the engineering and construction stand-
points.

For a factory installation, the system in the new build-
ing of a large biscuit making concern, not far from New
York is noteworthy of special attention. The essential
features of this electrical equipment are the motor
system and the vehicle charging station, the latter
being in an entirely separate building known as the
''garage." Both gasoline and electric vehicles are stored
and repaired in this building, where the electric installa-
. tion was specially designed to meet the stringent rules
regarding this type of building.

The .plant is composed of 3-625 kva., 3-phase, 60-cycle,
220-volt alternators, driven by Curtis horizontal type
steam turbines at 3600 r.p.m. Excitation at starting is
provided by either the 15 kw. or the 35 kw. d. c. 125-
volt, turbine driven exciters and after being started up,
by a 14 kw. motor-generator set equipped with a 3-phase
squirrel cage induction motor and a 2-wire, 125-volt
direct-current generator. The boiler plant consists of
six water tube type 250 hp. boilers. A large coal stor-
age is adjacent to the boiler room into which coal can
lie dumped direct from the coal cars that may be brought
up on a siding close by. A large coal handling device
in the form of a jawed bucket similar to that used in
excavating, and motor operated, is used for transferring
coal from the railroad cars to the coal storage room from
which the boilers are directly fired. There is also a
lar-e ammonia compressor driven by a 150 hp. Corliss
eivine in the plant used for their refrigeration system.

The switchboard is of very high grade construction,
being of a fine quality genuine Monson oiled black slate,
and very substantially built. There are no cable con-
nections whatever on the rear of the board, except, of
course, the small instrument and potential wiring. All
fee'hrs are extended from their respective switches by
bare round copner rods to the top of the board where
thy terminate in the usual terminal lugs into which
the feeders are sweated. This maks a very neat, com-
pact, clean and accessible arrangement shown in Fig.
2. The main generator circuit-breakers, are of 2.000-
ampere capacity, one mounted on the rear of the
board on separate slabs and operated from the face by
remote control toggle switches, at which red and preen-
pilot lamps are located to indicate when the breakers
are on or off. The speed of the turbines is also remote
controlled from the switchboard by governor control
switches that control the operation of a motor on each
turbine actuating the governor valve.

The power system is 220-volts, 3-phase throughout
and all the motors five hp. and over are equipped with
autostarting compensators. These compensators are each
provided with a set of fuses that are short circuited
while the machines are starting to avoid their "blowing"
on the high inrush current, and with low voltage re-
leases that automatically disconnect the motor from the
line when the main voltage fails.

Fig. 2 — Rear view of a factory switchboard

This last feature is very desirable and a necessary
device. If the plant is suddenly shut down clue to some
accident and again started up, with the motors that were
operated at the time of shut down still connected across
the line, there would be a tremendous peak load on the
plant due to the summation of all the inrush currents that
average anywhere from 50 percent to 300 percent more
than normal. This feature is indispensible in large
equipments.

There is in the building a total of 161 motors with
an aggregate of 832 hp. These motors are used for driv-
ing conveyors, dough arid wafer cutting machines, ovens,
dough mixers, grain elevators, sieves, grinders, nailing
machines, lathes, etc. They are all of squirrel cage in-
duction type. Fig. 3 shows a series of these motors
and their starting compensators installed. A series of

Fig. 3 — Motor and zviring arrangement

ELECTRICAL AGE

January, 191 6

' junction boxes with 3 -pole polarity receptacles are pro-
vided throughout some of the floors for supplying port-
able devices on cutting tables, which are mostly all
equipped with 2 or 3-hp. motors. One of these recep-
tacles is indicated by the arrow.

The lighting is supplied by 3 240-120 volt balancing
transformers, located behind the main switchboard, one
being connected on each phase, and the building divided
in three parts, one for each transformer.

The entire conduit system is exposed throughout, sus-
pended from inserts placed on the forms before concrete
was poured.

Fig. 4 — Garage switchboard mounted on platform

The gasoline vehicle storage and electric vehicle charg-
ing station in the separate garage building also sup-
plied from the plant, at a distance of 600 feet. There
is provision in the electric machine room for charging
18 1 -ton and 12 2-ton trucks simultaneously, and also
boosting 6 of each at 100 percent above normal rate.
Two 100-kw. motor-generator sets with squirrel cage
induction motors and 2-wire, 125-volt direct generators
are used to supply direct current for charging. The
switchboard is mounted on a steel structure 5' — c" above
the floor as shown in Fig. 4. The entire floor of the
platform is of 2" slate. An individual charging circuit
is provided for each truck, fed from a separate fused

switch and through a separate variable rheostat. Each
circuit switch is double-throw, arranged to put an am-
meter in the circuit when thrown on the instrument side.
A potential receptacle is also provided for each circuit,
so that the voltmeter on the panel in question can be
connected across any circuit on the charging side. This
allows for the usual measurements of voltage and current
and on charging. The rear of the board is arranged sim-
ilar to the main switchboard with extension rods. This
board set on a platform, gives the operator a clear view
of the entire room.

The equipment at the vehicle end of each circuit is
clearly shown in Fig. 5.

This entire electrical equipment was designed and
installed by one company as contractors and is a splendid
example of high grade electrical construction.

A Warehouse Example

Another modern installation is that in a large ware-
house building, 500 feet by 250 feet, six stories high.
The supply is from the local lighting company's lines.

Fig. 6 — Feeder conduits in a zivirehousc building

The run of main feeder conduits is a part of the ex-
tensive pipe work shown in Fig. 6. The entire conduit
system is exposed and designed to have a minimum num-
ber of pipes on the ceiling for circuit work. Fig. 7
shows a fine example of some of the lighting installation.

Fig. 5— Vehicle Storage Room

Fig. 7 — Warehouse lighting installation

January, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

There are approximately 150 motors ranging from extended. This was all done with the plant in operation
I to 40 hp. in this building. and the buses alive. The new section was made in a

Fig. 8 — Tzvo-story switchboards in New York Department Store. The upper portion is extension section.

The manner in which the plant of a big New York de-
partment store was augmented, illustrates what can be
done in limited space by modern methods. A large ad-
dition was made, the extension really being larger than
the old building. Two new 400-kw. units had to be
added to the plant, which is a uo-volt direct-current sup-
ply. The already massive copper on the board (for
3-400 and 2-200 kw. machines) had to be increased and

Fig. 9 — Rear view of department store board

second tier as seen in Fig. 8. The rear of this board
is . shown in Fig. 9 and illustrates the massive and
almost "wireless" evolution of the modern board.

Undoubtedly the greatest single step in improving the
methods of indoor construction has been the develop-
ment of iron-armored conduit and the placing of distri-
bution conductors of all kinds is now invariably in con-
duit wherever the standard of work is first class. From
switch-board to panel-boards and from these to the serv-
ice outlets, the system of conduit as now put, in forms
a complete protection against all external abuse.

The mileage of this material installed in even moder-
ate sized buildings is well-known to reach astonishing
figures. To place such a system in place with minimum
confusion and occupying a minimum space in the places
allotted is very often a problem whose solution calls
for very careful planning, and great attention to detail.

The result of considerable experience in this line is
shown by the gradually increasing voltages that are being
handled in indoors with ample safety by the help of
conduit. The work, as now put in, is absolutely tight
as to wall, and curves are eased so as to enable the con-
ductors to be readily withdrawn, where occasion arises.
Especially noticeable are the improvements in the out-
lets and terminals of conduit lines, all of which are
utilized in his work by the modern engineer-contractor.

ELECTRICAL AGE

January, 1916

Figures 10 and 11 show some heavy conduit With modern methods of insulation manufacture and

work, indicating a very high class of construe- the latest provisions for the protection of all parts of

tion. These illustrate the quantity of pipe that can actu- the electric system from abrasion, moisture, overload, or

ally and accurately be installed in a given space with other injury, it may be confidently predicted that ' in-

10 — Line of conduit risers in office building

the aid of modern electric construction methods. A
particular feature shown in the latter is the use of over-
head templets to hold the piping accurately in place
while the concrete floor is being laid.

The foregoing gives a good idea of the tendency of
up-to-date inside installations to get away from all that
is insecure or uncertain in operation. The replacement
of the old methods of fastening and housing conductors
by rigid systems of rods and conduits is but one instance
of this. Every detail is put in with the idea that it
will "stay put" indefinitely. Access to conductor systems
is possible only at the points where connections are to
be made.

A good way to realize the progress that has been
made along these lines in the last decade or two — and
one that is very frequently presented to those in touch
with this class of work — is to examine old installations
in buildings that are in process of being torn down or
remodelled. In almost any of the earlier types there will
be found regular rats' nests of tangled wiring which
would horrify the inspector of to-day. The wonder is
that so many have given good service throughout their
life.

Fig. 11 — Heavy installation of conduits in course of construction
— tcinpletcd from ceiling

stallations of the class described above will have a very
slight depreciation, if properly operated and cared for.
and that they will last as long as the buildings, of which
they are not the least important part.

■•$* *$*■ ■•$*■
Many operating companies have been having difficulties in
maintaining the service of flaming-arc lamps on account of the
lack of high-grade imported carbons. Since the supply of Ger-
man and Austrian carbons fell off some months ago the lamps
have not been giving efficient service, and no remedy has been
found for the trouble. The Altoona shops of the Pennsylvania
Railroad have abandoned all their flaming-arc lamps and will
not use them, it is stated, until new supplies of carbon can be
secured from Germany and Austria.

♦♦♦ ♦♦♦ .♦♦

Hydroelectric Developments. — At the present time there is
practically no hydroelectric power development in China. Such
electrical plants as have been installed are driven almost al-
together by steam. The immense delta plains of the Yangtze
and Yellow Rivers, are not, in a general sense, suitable for
hydro-electric plants, but in Fukien, Yunnan and parts of
Shantung provinces, water power stations may ultimately be
installed.

January, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

V.'A v'-,->rL\l..%

By Theodore D wight

Progress has been registered in every branch of the electrical
industry during the past year, either by the invention of new
appliances, the improvement of old, the finding of additional
applications for electrical power or in simply their more extend-
ed use. As the possibilities of its use are more generally under-
stood, its economy, adaptability, convenience and safety, insure
its broader adoption for light, heat and power purposes. For
this reason it is only possible in a review of the past year to
draw attention to a few isolated applications of special interest.

The word "wireless" has meant heretofore the transmission
of messages by telegraph by the telegraph signals only — the
year 1915 has now extended the meaning to include the trans-
mission of the human speaking voice over distances of 4900
miles. By the use of the DeForest Audion tubes it has been
possible to carry on conversations between the Arlington station
near Washington and the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and also to
communicate with San Francisco and Honolulu from the same
place. The voice of the speaker has been recognized. Surely
1915 will go down in the annals as an all important year in
the science of long distance communication. An interesting fea-
ture of the long distance land-water transmission to San Fran-
cisco was the fact that sound waves were carried from New
York to Arlington by wire and relayed by wireless.

Wireless telephone communication from moving trains has
been placed in service on the Lackawanna Railroad. It is
believed that this will be not only a great convenience to the
traveling public, but that it will be shortly extended for sig-
nalling with freight trains in transit to avoid the serious ex-
pense, often over $25 represented by the stopping and starting
of long freight trains to get orders.

IN WAR

SUBMARINE MICROPHONE DETECTOR FOR DEFENSE

Detecting the presence of submarines when under water and
accurately locating them became one of the serious problems
for the scientists tq accomplish. An American electrical engi-
neer, invited to solve the matter by one of the Allies, has
been successful in operating a system using two submerged
microphones separated by a measured distance and which he
has succeeded in tuning by the use of closed telescopic tubes
and interior a compressed air pressure to protect against
water pressure, so that the characteristic hum of the electrically
driven engine of the submarine can be accurately identified
and the vessel located. The apparatus can detect a submarine at
a distance of twenty miles. After one instrument picks it up,
the other one locates it and it then becomes a simple problem
of triangulation. After the vessel is spotted, torpedo boats
or other armed craft are ordered by wireless to proceed to
the locality and are kept informed by the same medium of
the maneuvers of the enemy craft.

Wireless controlled aerial torpedoes.

A number of patents have been issued during the year for
electrically controlled air and water torpedoes, but so far as
known none of them have been successfully used.

However, gunfire-control both on land and sea has been
largely governed by data sent by wireless from scout aeroplanes
and has revolutionized warfare. The electric searchlight has
been an important feature in night attacks, and wires imbedded
in gun cotton or other high explosive and electrically heated has
now replaced the detonating cap in large gun firing.

ELECTRICALLY PROPELLED BATTLESHIP

The California, whose keel was laid in the Fall of 1915 will be

the first electrically driven line battleship. The vessel will be of
30,000 tons displacement, will cost over $15,000,000 and is to be
electrically operated throughout. The plan submitted is for two
18,000 hp turbines, 2200 r.p.m. to drive the two generators of
similar capacity, while \there will be four motors, running at
167 r.p.m. normally, directly connected to the four propeller
shafts. At full power a speed of 21 to 22 knots will be obtained
while up to 19 knots can be had with the four motors operating
a reduced speed from one turbo-generator. For cruising at
12 knots only about 1-5 of the coal consumption will be required
with a consequent cruising radius of about 300 nautical miles
for each 100 tons of coal consumed. This arrangement of gen-
erator and motor units gives full reverse power by the simple
throwing of switches.

ADVANCE OF RAILWAY ELECTRIFICATION

The increasing electrification of not only terminals of steam
railroads in the large cities, but its extended use for suburban
service and on the mountain divisions of some of the great
systems has been justified by both the economy of operation and
the reliability of service. The New York, Westchester &
Boston reports had 99 percent of its trains arriving on time dur-
ing a 12 months period.

In terminal service, the Pennsylvania Railroad has had many
of its electric engines operating under the North and East Rivers
at New York, run over 100,000 miles without requiring any
general repair work or the truning down of tires. These loco-
motives have averaged about 15,000 miles for every minute of
detention.

The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul placed in electrical opera-
tion in the late Fall, 113 miles of its Montana Division with
grades of 2 percent and expects to have another 100 miles in
service around the first of the, new year. A further 200 miles
will be electrified later. The equipment for the present will con-
sist of 21 freight and passenger locomotives of 520,000 lbs.
each with continuous service horsepower of 3,000. Each equip-
ment will have eight 375 hp. motors connected to separate axles
and will be capable of exerting a tractive effort of 85,000 lbs.
Power has been contracted for at about l/2 cent a kilowatt hour
on a 60 percent load factor. A tendancy is shown in these large
projects to purchase power rather than to attempt its generation.
This applies both to localities where water power is available
as well as to territory where steam is the primary source of
energy.

The successful experiments with the steel reinforced mercury
vapor rectifier on the New Haven road is attracting attention
to the use of high-tension direct current and may have an im-
portant influence in the future operation of electric railways.
These tubes can be used either on the locomotive or in con-
veniently located substations.

The Norfolk & Western has placed in service during 1915
some twelve freight locomotives of 540,000 lbs. with sixteen
62 inch drives and tractive effort of 90,000 lbs. This system,
like the Pennsylvania Railroad at Philadelphia, is using 11,000
volts, single phase. Many short lines or branches have been
electrified during the past year and the Swedish State Railway
has recently equipped 87 miles of its lines in the polar circle.
The line operates from Kiruna to the Norwegian border. Power
is transmitted 155 miles at 80,000 volts. This electrification
has increased train capacity 40 percent and speed of the trains
by 50 percent. Everyone is familiar with the successful towing
of ships through the Panama Canal locks by electric engines.
Over 2500 miles of track of "steam railroad" are now operated
by electricity.

33;

ELECTRICAL AGE

January, 1916

Pennsylvania Railroad Electrification for Philadelphia

The suburban line, of the Pennsylvania from Philadelphia to
Paoli is being electrically equipped in order to increase the ca-
pacty of the Broad Street Station and give better local service.
It covers the equipping of over 90 miles of track with overhead
conductors. Current is supplied at 11,000 volts, 25 cycles,
single phase. It is proposed to follow this improvement by
extending to the Chestnut Hill line. By this means it is believed
the present Broad street terminal will meet all traffic require-
ments for six or eight years to come. Further relief will be
possible by extending the system to further lines.

It is estimated that the saving in operating cost will readily
pay interest on the full expense of- electrically equipping the
entire track service of the terminal. The power for operating
the trains is purchased from the Philadelphia Electric Co.
which will transmit it at 13,000 volts from their Christian street
power house under the Schuykill river by armoured cable. The
Pennsylvania will step the voltage up to 44,000 at which po-
tential it will be delivered to the various transformer sub-
stations. It will be delivered direct to the trains at 11,000 volts.
The high voltage transmission was chosen in view of the prob-
able extention later to other local lines and ultimately to the
main line of this division of the Pennsylvania system and also
because it avoided the necessity of sub-stations with moving
machinery.

Water Purifying

Ultra-violet-ray purification or disinfection of water has been
practically employed among other places during the past year
in the swimming pool of the N. Y. Athletic Club and the West
Side Y. M. C. A. of New York City. In the former case tests
showed a count of 280 bacteria per c.c. with the colon bacillus
present in 75 percent of the inoculations. After treatment only
2 bacteria per c.c. with no colon bacilli. At the Y. M. C. A.
tank tests gave a count of from 2200 to 5100 with colon bacillus
present. Treatment reduced this from 10 to 70 with colon bacil-
lus exterminated.

Hydro-Electric Power

There is nothing radically new in this field, but extensive
development has been carried on and more thought is being
given to the vast water powers in the North, South, East and
West. In California with its 600,000 hp of hydro-electric de-
velopment over 25 percent is utilized for agricultural purposes.
In New England there is also in operation 600,000 hp. The
saving in coal, the supply of which is being seriously depleted in
the United States, amounts annually to far above $50,000,000
and the use of electricity in farming both for irrigation and
mechanical drive (in fact there are over 125 uses to which it
can be profitably put on the farm) , is really only in its infancy.

Electrical energy from the Keokuk plant on the Mississippi
is being sold at wholesale in St. Louis at $18.00 per hp year.

Dr. T. Kennard Thomson has proposed a scheme for devel-
oping 2,000,000 horse-power from the Niagara River below the
falls. The plan was presented to the New York Legislature in
August. It is suggested that the State of New York and
Province of Ontario undertake the project jointly at an esti-
mated cost of $100,000,000 or $50.00 per horse-power or jointly
grant the right to some private corporation. From the base
of the falls to a point just above Lewiston there is a difference
of elevation in 100 feet. A curved dam of about 1,000 feet in
length would be required and the height from the bed rock about
130 feet.

Million-Volt Transformer

The great 750,000-volt transformer used at the General Elec-
tric Works at Schenectady for testing insulation is no longer
king. A transformer having now been built to operate at
1,000,000 volts and develop 1,000 kilowatts. 225 barrels of insu-
lating oil are required to fill the metal-lined cement-pit in which
it is installed.

Air brakes electrically operated on each car unit of a train
are being introduced and found to save the quite appreciable

time required to transmit the air pressure from the locomotive.
By this more direct action,' greater safety is secured.
Illumination
The science of illumination has been closely studied by special-
ists and the development of the gas filled incandescent lamp,
to work with. These high candlepower, high intensity units
have greatly stimulated the use of indirect and semi-indirect
lighting methods, as the direct light caused injurious eyestrain.
For street lighting these lamps are fast replacing the various
types of arcs. Several million of the gas filled incandescents
have been placed in service during the year, and the old carbon
lamps are fast disappearing.

The New York Public Service Commission has recently ruled
that replacements must be made with tungsten lamps as the
carbon lamps are antiquated and inefficient.
Total incandescent lamps sales have exceeded 80,000,000.

Concentric Wiring
Much discussion has taken place during the year on the sub-
ject of concentric wiring and the system has found many advo-
cates. Its successful use in Europe for several years is strongly
in its favor. The question of its use in the United States
was brought before the National Fire Protection Association
at their bi-annual meeting and while it was not deemed best
at this time to include this system in the National Electric Code
— it was favorably received and referred to a sub-committee to
obtain field experience. A number of installations have been
made by central stations under the approval of the fire inspect-
ors and others are planned. They have proven very satisfac-
tory. At the November meeting of the N. E. L. A. Committee
on Wiring, the committee offered to co-operate with all
manufacturers who may engage in developing concentric wire
and fittings.

Domestic Appliances
A partial canvass of the manufacturers shows that over
8,000,000 electrical devices are in use in the home — the electric
iron leading all other appliances with a total of over $3,000,000.

The Society for Electrical Development, has already listed
over 1700 communities where electric current is available at 5c
or lower per kilowatt hour for heating and cooking — */$ of this
number at 3c or under. This liberal rate is certain to create
a great demand for ranges and lead to far more extensive use
of electricity in the home.

Domestic Heating
Interesting new types of domestic heating units have been
developed. The electric steam radiator utilizes a portable type
of the familiar steam one and using a quart or more of water
which is heated by an' electric bayonet type unit built in the
frame. These are proving very satisfactory. Another is made
by combining an electrically driven blower with heating coils
enclosed, this method insures the quick distribution of the heat
throughout the room. Large hot air radiators of the fixed and
portable type are being manufactured.
Telopticon
And the blind shall be made to read. The phonopticon in-
vented by Dr. F. C. Brown performs the remarkable service
of permitting the blind to read by means of the transforma-
tion of light waves into sound waves. This is made possible
by the use of selenium crystals which respond electrically to
varying intensities of light.

The printed letters are illuminated successively by a narrow
ray of intense light which travels across the page. The image
from a lense acts upon a parallel group of from 2 to 4 selenium
crystals (as the arm of a Wheatstone bridge) operates on a
telephone receiver in place of the usual galvanometer, double
magnets being used in two telephone receivers where 4 crystals
are used.

In series with the telephone receivers is an interrupting device
giving a definite frequency and a resonating arrangement gives
a different pitch for each crystal. A change in intensity of these
pitches occurs when different letters are brought into range of
the illuminated band permitting the letter to be "read" by
sound.

January, 1916 ELECTRICAL AGE

am lEmgllmiMl

By R. E. Neale

The well-intentioned slogan of the hrst war weeks — ■
"Business as Usual" — has long since given place to that of
"Nothing as Usual" and in writing of central station and manu-
facturing activities during the past year, one can speak of
little but the effects of the war on the work done by and
prospects of these interests. Of development as reckoned by
ordinary commercial standards there has been little, but the
industrial activity of the country has been reorganized and
placed on an entirely new footing. The present results of this
revolution are to furnish a machine spending money at an
unpleasant number of dollars per second, but its ultimate effect
will be to win the war for the allies and it will leave the
whole industrial fabric of the United Kingdom equipped and
tuned as never before for its share in the world's markets.
There has been no corresponding revolution in the central station
field ; central stations have simply continued their normal work
of producing current with economy and reliability and they have
been adversely affected by the war to a much less extent than
could have been anticipated. There has been a general re-
duction in use of "luxury" units and reduced lighting regula-
tions have hit badly a number of small provincial stations de-
pendent mainly on street, shop and residence lighting demand.
In all large towns, however, and particularly in industrial
centres such as Manchester, Sheffield and Birmingham, the in-
crease in power consumption due to industrial demands for
war work has more than compensated reduced sales in other
directions ; indeed, the fall in residential demand has been
quite useful in some instances in releasing generator capacity
for power supply of far greater national importance.

The first effect of the war was to reduce the current con-
sumption for all purposes in most districts. Traction units are
still relatively low in most places. Domestic consumption is
down in individual cases, but in many instances it is up in the
aggregate, due to new consumers. This and the remarkable
way in which heating and cooking business has kept up, form a
very healthy sign. Power sales suffered by a very temporary
depression, in many cases hardly noticeable. In Sheffield power
sales for the uncertain days of August, 1914, amounted to 800,-
000 units more than in the previous August and much larger
increases were shown later. Double shift working being prac-
tised in every work of any importance, there must be an enormous
increase in total central station sales and a corresponding
advance in load factor. Analysis of the generating costs under
such conditions should give any hesitating engineer sufficient
stimulus to aim at keeping up the higher load factor in peace
time by adding to heating, electric vehicle and electro-chemical
loads. The improvements in generating costs this year (statis-
tics not yet available) will probably be only relative since fuel
and wages items are abnormal. Last winter a number of im-
portant stations were reduced at times to a few days' stock of
fuel, the sudden outbreak of war happening at an unfavorable
moment from this point of view.

This winter the situation is well in hand.

Policy and Publicity

The unprecedented nature of the war made it difficult to
determine at first the right line of central station policy with
regard to development work. Insofar as concerns capital ex-
penditure there was a complete reversal of policy during the
first six months of war, yet it was all for the best:, At first
municipalities and others were urged to go ahead with exten-
sions and improvements to prevent distress due to unemploy-
ment! Later it was found that all capital and labor was re-

quired for work, but a result of the initial policy was that a
number of stations got plant in hand without which they could
hardly have met subsequent demands. Material ordered for
less urgent requirements has, in several instances, been re-
quisitioned for use here where it was needed for munition
work.

It is becoming appreciated outside the circles immediately
affected, that our central stations are really on war work of
the most vital kind. Without the availability of central station
power for driving new works and extensions, our present output
of munitions would be quite impossible and the manner in
which electric power and lighting is now making good under
emergency circumstances in an infinite variety of industries
must be to the permanent benefit of electrical interests.

Publicity work, is being maintained as far as possible. It
was prosecuted energetically by the more farseeing concerns
during the early months of war, but recently it has fallen
off for two reasons. The rigid economy now observed by
middle class householders to whom residential publicity is
chiefly addressed, makes it impossible to get a great deal of
fresh installation work besides which material and labor are
lacking for the latter. In the power field, circumstances have
forced manufacturers of all classes to realize the unique ad-
vantages of electric driving. The position is therefore that
power supply needs no publicity whilst residential publicity
would yield poor results at present; most stations are fully
occupied keeping pace with power demands and no station has
either capital or staff to spare for publicity. It is safe to say
that after the war, domestic loads will make unprecedented
progress. Experience of the benefits of good load factor, the
loss of special war loads and the availability of low candlepower,
high voltage gas-filled tungsten lamps will force central stations
into a very active policy. The manufacture of heating, cooking
and small power devices has reached a state which will justify
their being pushed more vigorously than in the past and the
improved industrial power prospect (even allowing for loss of
much night load) will justify more stations offering cheap
unit tariffs which are essential to vigorous heating and cooking
development.

Plant Extensions

For the present, plant extensions are permitted only where
it can be shown that the need for them is national. The object
of this restriction is naturally to prevent unnecessary absorp-
tion of capital and to leave every possible workshop free for
war production. On the other hand, wherever a new factory
or extension is erected, it is cheaper to supply it with power
from a central station than to install isolated power plant
whilst, from the central station standpoint, the high cost of
coal and materials makes the economy of new plant an important
factor. Due to these several facts most of the industrial centres
have extensions completed or in hand.

During the last financial year (including only 8 months of
war) there was an increase of 18 million units (i. e., 68 percent)
in current sales at Sheffield. The total sales were nearly 45
million units, at an average total cost of 0.85 c. per unit and the
surplus on working was $130,000. In addition, one at least of
the great Sheffield firms has a very large station of its own.
Largely as a result of the immense increase in power and
electric furnace demands, Sheffield needs $500,000 for urgent
extensions and the Local Government Board is adopting the
novel course of lending this money at interest, retaining the
option of removing plant after the war if the corporation does
not purchase it.

ELECTRICAL AGE

January, 1916

In Bradford as elsewhere the electrical demand of textile mills
is rising steadily and one of the recent load additions was
1,000 kws in electric furnaces; giving practically 24 hours daily
demand all the year round. At the moment of writing, a new
5,000 kw generator and two 1,500 kw rotaries have just been set
to work. The Stepney district in the East End of London con-
tains probably a greater variety of trades than any other district.
Within the last five years the annual output has risen from 10
to 20 million units, largely as a result of sustained publicity
work in all fields of supply. Two new 5,000 kw turbo-sets
were started a few weeks ago and the system is linked up for
interchange purposes with adjoining areas, along the lines which
financial considerations must compel as the first step in central-
ized supply for London — when that scheme shall really come
to pass. Recent extensions at South Shields are of peculiar
interest owing to the arrangements for three varieties of supply.
One turbine drives a 1,000 kw, 550 volt, direct current generator
and a 1,100 kw, single-phase, 2,100 volt alternator in tandem;
and a second set consists of two 1.500 kw, 3-phase 2,100 volt
alternators turbo-driven in tandem.

The Greater Birmingham area 68 sq. miles in extent contains
many hundreds of factories of all descriptions. The three
existing stations approach 50,000 kw capacity but extension of
the supply area and rapid development of electric driving led
to a 100,000 kw station being started in the Nechells district.
Work on this scheme being interrupted by the war, a tem-
porary 10,000 kw plant has been erected which is interesting by
reason of the care devoted to making the buildings and plant
capable of subsequent transfer to the main station.

The largest station in the country will be the 160,000 kw plant
at Barton (Manchester) which is designed for four 15,000
kw and four 25,000 kw units but may easily have larger units in
its later parts. Work is already far advanced and the special
features of the scheme include the use of semi-purified sewage
for condensing, silo coal storage (in place of open piles) foi
two months' supply, and bunkers over the boilers for 36 hrs.
supply. The finished plant will consist of eight distinct coal-
to-feeder units and on 40 percent load factor, with coal at £2
a ton (500,000 tons used per annum) it is reckoned that the
works cost will be 0.275 c. and capital charges .0.175 c. per
unit. The capital cost of the station complete is estimated
just under £54 per kw. Present sales in Manchester average
500,000 units a day.

Technical Features

A noticeable feature of many recent extensions is the tem-
porary omission of such items as suction ash plant, oil storage
and filters and other equipment which can be dispensed with
at the cost of some inconvenience and loss of efficiency. These
omissions will be remedied at the earliest opportunity, for they
are no less than essential to efficient operation as judged by
normal standards.

Turbine speeds continue to be raised and. the overall dimen-
sions of turbo-units to be reduced. The boiler house of the
new Barton station occupies about three times as much ground
as the power house, and boilers and fuel storage together take
up nearly 10 times the power house area. For average in-
dustrial stations 5,000 kw turbo-units are very popular just at
present, but there is no doubt that larger sets will steadily
become more corrimond. Three-phase generation with high-ten-
sion cable distribution to substations is practically standardized
in this country for all extensions. It is abundantly evident that
most plants in older stations will be replaced long before it is
worn out and the effect of obsolescence in shortening loan
periods, as well as the high interest on fresh loans, make it
important to increase load factor and revenue by every means
available. A curious point is the recently displayed official
tendency to limit loans on reinforced concrete work to 10
(instead of 25) years. This attitude is inexplicable and should
only be temporary.

Rural Supply

The development, even the continued stability, of many pro-
vincial stations in this country depends on the surrounding
agricultural districts being tapped. A small scale, but profitable
example of what such stations can do is to be found in Here-
ford where overhead lines are taken out several miles in various
directions to farmers and other scattered consumers. Stranded
aluminum lines with iron wire neutral and guard wires beneath
are used; the construction, all in compliance with Board of
Trade rules, costing about $2,600 per mile. With lighting at 12 c.
and power at 6c. a unit, about $480 a year is obtained from
small farms and a revenue of close on $4,800 per mile of
line is averaged. In the Weaverham district, four villages
distributed over an area of 12 sq. miles, are served by 460/230
volt, 3-wire direct current and 3,000/230 volt, single phase al-
ternating current systems connected by motor-alternators in the
generating sation. Use is made of a mixed network of cheap
overhead line and direct-laid cables and a fair profit is realized
from 200 consumers representing 10,000 30-watt lamps, with
current at 12 c. for lighting, 2.5 c. for heating and cooking, and
4 to 2 c. for power.

Price Increases

Increases in supply tariffs were mooted in some districts
early in the war to cover decrease in sales. On this basis the
policy would have been mistaken and has not been called for
but rises in prices of coal, wages and stores have since com-
peled price increases in bout 80 districts. Generally this in-
crease has taken the form of a temporary percentage surcharge
— 10 percent being the commonest increase and 15 percent the
next commonest; corresponding increases have been adopted
by most gas companies. Where possible heating and cooking
tariffs have been advanced less than others and the prepayment
meter difficulty has been overcome by temporarily altering
adjustments so that less energy is delivered for given payment.
Such price increases as have occurred have been chiefly in
residential stations. Improved load factor and increased sales
have made price increase unnecessary in industrial districts.

Heating and Cooking

The outbreak of. war interrupted a boom in domestic electric
heating and cooking which will probably be resumed on the
conclusion of peace and has not been utterly paralyzed by
present conditions. The number of large electric kitchens in
restaurants, hotels, hospitals and so forth continues to make
good progress. There are half a dozen 60-100 kw. kitchens in
Sheffield, as many more in London, a large new one in Derby,
and a number in temporary hospitals and camps. The "Point
Five" movement which takes as its creed the sale of current
for heating or cooking at not more than 1.0 c. a unit (supple-
mented if necessary by a fixed charge), continues to make
good progress. The cheap unit is essential and a charge as
low as 0.5 c. is definitely foreshadowed in at least one industrial
area. Given such a low price per unit, rapid cooking develop-
ment is assured, a fairly heavy fixed charge being much less
of an obstacle than a fractional increase in the charge per unit
of actual consumption.

An important point is to take sufficiently active measures to
help the consumer to electric methods. This sounds a truism
but what can be done in this direction is exemplified in Maryle-
bone (London) where a new block of flats is cabled throughout
for lighting, heating and cooking and an annual consumption 20
times that usual in such buildings, i. e., 1 million units per
annum or 3,000 units per head is expected. Electrically heated
hot water is being installed which is interesting in view of
the magnitude of the hot water load and the pessimism with
which it is generally regarded. Given thermostatic control
and correct design of thermal storages, electric water heating
in bulk is quite a commercial proposition. Too many storages
show ignorance or neglect of the simplest principles of the
mechanism of heat transmission.

January, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

General Electrical Business

At the present time there is a flood of work for every firm
employing skilled labor and, barring small wiring contractors
and dealers, there is probably not a slack firm in the country.
Last fall (1914) there was a temporary depression, but there
is now an immense demand for electrical goods of all kinds
for hutments, hospitals and other special buildings besides the
equipment of munitions works. Initial dislocation of trade —
financially and in respect of materials — coupled with decreased
exports spoiled the tone of many balance sheets for 1914-15,
but on tire period of the war as a whole few firms will not have
contributed heavily to the war-profit tax. This is to some ex-
tent making the best of a bad job, for the whole war activity
is waste from the purely commercial standpoint. Also, war
orders must collapse as suddenly as they began, but the national
organzation and speeding up of works to meet present needs
must have a permanently beneficial effect.

Attempts at co-operation between manufacturers in co-ordina-
ting their policies and lines of activity showed some success
before the war and are likely to come into active being there-

after. Many industries lost or not started in the past will be
revived or initiated and there is a need for special factories
turning out in bulk parts required by other manufacturers (along
the lines of the lamp cap industry of Holland, for example). All
such developments will benefit the electrical industry and central
stations more or less directly. There is an urgent demand for
a central body competent to deal with matters of national
economic and technological importance ; and for better utilization
of the facilities for technical training which already exist in
this country. It must be obvious to the impartial observer
that the labor problem is not the least serious before us and
it will not be simplified by the fact that many men now earning
$50 a week will have to return to $10 or $15. Nevertheless
such after effects of the war will be largely offset by other
more beneficial effects, including the enduring influence of war
organization, so that there is no reason to expect that it will
not be long after peace is declared before the commercial and
technical advance of the British electrical industry — thus rudely
interrupted — is again proceeding rapidly and with increased
vigor.

Bv R W. Shenton

Without a doubt the most popular development in the incan-
descent lamp industry during the past year has been the placing
on the market of a nitrogen-filled lamp in the 100-watt size.
This lamp has been the means of bringing the advantages of the
gas-filled construction within the reach of the great body of
consumers. Until the arrival of this lamp, the uses for these
multiple lamps were more or less restricted to those fields
requiring relatively high candle-power light sources. Office
buildings, stores, and residences also to a certain extent, have
benefited largely through the use of this type of lamp. It has
also been the means of improving billboard illumination. It
is generally recognized that by illuminating these important
advertising media their efficiency may be doubled from the
standpoint of the number of hours they are visible, to say
nothing of the fact that at night the average mind is in a more
receptive mood for the advertiser's message and the fact that a
billboard illuminated at night stands out by contrast more
prominently than it does in broad daylight.

The largest field, however, for the use of these lamps is the
lighting show windows. The roo-watt gas-filled lamp has made
it possible to effect an increase in intensity of illumination in
show windows at so increase in wattage. Its excellent color
quality, the presence in good proportions of all the primary col-
ors, makes it possible to obtain efficiently almost any desired
color effect. While it is possible to obtain greatly improved
illumination without increasing the wattage, experience has
shown that once the store owner sees the advantage of improved
illuminations his tendency is to go to higher wattage even than
he used with less efficient lamps.

While the higher wattage multiple gas-filled lamps have been
available for some time previous, the past year has witnessed
the development of fields for their application. The lighting of
large outdoor areas such as railroad yards, athletic fields, and
tennis courts by means of incandescent lamps has opened up
avenues for considerable new business. The use of these high
candle-power lamps for spectacular purposes in connection with
amusement resorts, play houses, etc., has continued to grow, con-
stituting a very desirable central station load.

The flood lighting of public buildings is practically new. A
number of important installations have been made during the
past year and lamps designed especially for this purpose placed
on the market. The extremely desirable effects obtained in
such cases as the Woolworth Tower and the emulation of this
example on the part of other buildings throughout the country
indicate that this particular use of light for advertising pur-
poses is destined to open up a most desirable field for the sale

of electrical energy and electrical appliances, supplementing, as
it does, other forms of building exterior lighting that are not
universally applicable.

Other more specialized developments have been the placing
on the market of special lamps for stereopticon purposes, auto-
mobile headlights, and locomotive headlights. The high concen-
tration of the light source of gas-filled lamps as well as their
high efficiency have been of no little value in the development
of projection apparatus 'of practically all classes.

The application of these intensely brilliant lamps to pho-
tography occupies an important place among he developments
of the past year or two. Combining as it does the advantages
common to incandescent lamps in general with high actinic value,
this lamp has proved a boon to portrait photographers as well
as to moving picture producing companies. By increasing the
voltage on these lamps to 10 percent above normal during the
time of exposure the actinicity is increased 50 percent, so
that with two 1,000-watt gas-filled lamps the photographer
is able to take portraits with the same length of exposure by
artificial light as he would ordinarily fake by daylight. This
lamp has been supplied in a special blue bulb which reduces the
visual intensity to about one-third that of the clear lamp leaving
the actinicity practically unimpaired. In one moving picture
studio over 500 of these lamps have been added to a preliminary
installation of 200 lamps.

While most of the recent incandescent lamp developments
have been confined to the gas-filed lamps, another development
during the past year has been the placing on the market of coil
fialment lamps. The filament of these lamps operates in a
vacuum but is of the helical-coil type so wound that its light is
given off in a more downward direction than in the case of the
ordinary lamps. The particular field for their use is in con-
nection with decorative glassware where artistic effect has
been the principal object of design with little or no attention
to efficiency. Where efficient reflector equipment is at hand, the
ordinary lamp is, of course, the more satisfactory. This lamp
is of interest because it benefits the consumer in the average
home, where dense decorative glassware is mostly used.

The use of gas-filled series lamps has grown relatively more
than that of any other class of incandescent lamps during the
past year. The example of some of the larger cities of the
country, notably Chicago and Cleveland, has been followed by
many of the smaller cities who have replaced existing lighting
systems with gas-filled lamps to the benefit of the municipality
as well as the central station. The advantages offered by the
new system are briefly : low initial investment, high power factor,

ELECTRICAL AGE

January, 1916

adaptability, the readiness with which the light may be con-
trolled especially by means of the best type of refractor, and the
possibility of taking advantage of future developments in the
art without the necessity of scrapping considerable material.
The fact that these lamps are available in a large range of
sizes makes it possible to satisfy street lighting requirements
of all classes. * * *

An inspiring address on "Science in its Relation to Engi-
neering," was delivered at the recent annual meeting of the
American Society of Mechanical Engineers, in New York by
Dr. John A. Brashear, the retiring president.

Dr. Brashear in the very humane manner, of which he is mas-
ter, started his subject, by an appreciative tribute to the great
engineers of bygone times, who were at the same time the
great scientists and mathematicians of the past. He touched on
the notable work of the Egyptians, Greeks and on the Roman
masterpieces in concrete work, bridges, roads and aqueducts.
All their work was interlocked with science and engineering and
Dr. Brashear finds but a hazy line between the two, if engi-
neering be considered as applied science. Speaking of these
early efforts, he said :

"It is a long way from the sundial of Ahaz to the R'iefler
clock; a long way from the Pyramid of Cheops to the stately
steel structures of our great cities ; a long way from the ox-cart,
with its wheels cut from the end of a log to the steam and
electric locomotive ; a long way from the log bridge across
the narrow streams to the magnificent steel and concrete spans
that now cross our widest rivers; a long way from the tiny
Egyptian cedar boat, built without iron, steel or copper, to the
majestic steel steamship that daily crosses the ocean; a long
way from the smoke baloon of Montgolfier to the dirigible,
or the biplane that soars like a bird through our skies; yes, and
all along the pathway of the evolution of these and other in-
ventions of man are unwritten histories, which, if told, would
be filled with romance and ofttimes with tragedies — aye, with
the sacrifice of the lives of many of the world's noblest pioneers
who have contributed to the treasure of our best storehouse of
learning."

He then spoke of the strict necessity of applying scientific
methods to engineering work and pointed out how frequently
engineers in all lines had appealed to the scientist giving es-
pecially the noted casein which the velocity of the propagation of
light waves was determined by scientific reasoning and experi-
mentation of the most refined nature, the process of solving
the problem remaining for a long time in the domain of the
exact sciences as a masterpiece of the human mind. Applied,
however, it gave to the world a value for the international
meter in terms of light waves that will remain absolutely un-
alterable as long as this old world moves in the luminiferous
ether of the universe.

He also noted the case in which the machinery manufactur-
ers of the country appealed to a famous professor of astronomy
for help to enable them to turn out tools of such precision that
nuts of one manufacturer would go on bolts of another. He
paid a high tribute to American engineers who have developed
instruments for mechanical measurements to a very high state
of precision, which in their turn have been mighty factors in
the development of interchangeable machinery. He cited the
diffraction grating made accurate within one forty-five-thou-
sandth of an inch and rendered possible, first by rigorous sci-
entific research, second by the skill of the artisan, third by a
knowledge of and care to avoid temperature changes, and fourth
by the accuracy of the mechanism which includes the screw.

Dr. Brashear reminded his hearers of what happened in the
domain of electrical science since the first little dynamo of
Faraday and the telephone of Bell. He likened the application
of science to the arts and industries to the "widow's cruse,"
and regretted that he could not go into very many fields where
pure science may take the hand of fellowship of the engineer.
The address concluded in the following words : "To-day we are

learning, but single notes ; to-morrow we will blend them into
chords ; the hour will chime when all humanity shall know the
law of harmony — when every note in every chord shall find its
part in the sublime oratorio of the universal life."

President E. M. Herr, of the Westinghouse Electric & Mfg.
Company, in a recent address before the Railway Club of Pitts-
burgh, said : "Due largely to the wonderful development in the
steam turbine and its direct-connected electric generator, and
the remarkably flexible, efficient and easy distribution of elec-
tricity, we are on the eve of a notable — in fact, I believe an
epoch-making change — in the utilization of electric power.

"First — The modern steam turbo-generator makes it possible
to concentrate enormous amounts of power generation in one
place.

"Second — This makes possible and advantageous very large
individual generating units. The growth in the capacity of
generators has really been enormous, made possible by the
steam turbine.

"Third— Electricity can be transmitted long distances in large
or small quantities and its characteristics changed at will, all
with small losses and at comparatively low cost."

The speaker then proceeded to trace the development of
large generating units as exemplified by certain notable installa-
tions of central stations, industrial and railway plants, and then
discussed the effect of the concentration of such a large amount
of power in one station.

Mr. Herr said the building of units as large as 50,000 and
60,000 kw., was contemplated.

This address has been published in pamphlet form by the
Westinghouse Electric Company, and will be sent to anyone
interested. '

* **♦ *

Electrical supply dealers and all engaged in the electrical

trades will be astonished at the figures below concerning

the number of domestic utilities sold.

The data was collected with care by the Society for Electrical

Department and is believed to be nearly correct.
This field has only began to grow.

Total Number of Household Utilities Sold and in Use in the
United States

Irons 3,025,995

Fans ' 2,629,414

Vacuum Cleaners 469,282

Toasters , 41 1,645

Disc Stoves 234,885

Washing Machines 212,082

Grills • 114,267

Percolators 106,278

Heaters 76,925

Heating Pads 67,107

Chafing Dishes : 29,316

Ironing Machines 28,000

Ranges 14,140

Tea Pots 6,397

Radiators 3,190

Dish Washers 261

♦ * * 6,429,182

An Advantage of Electric Drive

Electrical manufacturing plants, or those equipped for electric
drive, have proven themselves readily available to command the
great war orders recently placed in this country, on account of
the ability to rearrange the machine units. With well-subdivid-
ed group drive, or better still, with individual motor drive, the
problem of re-arranging the machinery to get the best results
for the new output was greatly simplified as compared to the
factories which were still limited by shaft drive.

January, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

By Glenn Marston

EVERY business carried on in a civilized community is subject
to regulation. The prices of food, clothing, and such things
are governed by competition. The regulation of public utili-
ties through competition is more difficult. Competition in the
telephone business was once looked upon as advisable, but
experience has taught that such competition was more trouble
than it was worth.

There are two ways of securing competition— by permitting
another company to install a new system, or by making the
city itself do so. In either case the community should have
assurance that the saving to be effected through competition
will be greater than all the fixed charges against the competing
plant; otherwise the competition will save nothing. It is not
enough that the new rate is slightly lower than the old rate.
The money invested in both plants is going to come out of the
people in the long run, and a duplication of equipment means
that it will require more money to furnish electricity to the
community. Therefore, the new rate must be lower than the
old rate by a sum equal to or more than the fixed charges upon
the duplicate plant. If this is not so,, competition is a demon-
strable failure before it has begun.

Competition between two companies has frequently been tried,
and the inevitable result has been either consolidation or a
division of territory between the competitors, with a thorough
understanding on the question of rates. After the consolidation
or understanding, rates are restored to a point where they will
earn back the losses brought about by competition. Courts and
utilities commissions have held that such increased rates are fair
because it was' through the public that competition was permitted,
and therefore the public cannot expect to be protected from the
consequences of its own action. The argument may be ad-
vanced that such consolidations could not take place if the city
itself conduct the competing utility. However, such consolida-
tions have taken place, and municipal competition is thus of no
more value than private competition.

It is frequently said that municipal plants give lower rates to
their patrons than are given by private plants, but this by no
means indicates that the municipal plant is giving less costly
service. The accounting systems of municipal plants generally
conceal from the casual investigator the true cost of service by
omitting many of the essential items which are paid out of
taxes. In Ohio the position of the municipal plants is so weak
that they have laws which forbid municipal plants to pay their
own bills — that is, in that state it is the law that the interest
and sinking fund on bonds cannot be paid by the plants, but
must be paid by the trustees of the sinking fund, and plants
which are able to meet part of the payments simply turn this
money over to the sinking fund trustees without indicating what
proportion of the total charges are thus taken care of. There
are many plants in the state of Ohio which earn enough gross
revenue to pay their operating expenses, and by whom all excess
of revenue over operating expenses is called profit! They do not
make allowance for interest, sinking fund, depreciation, lost
taxes or any of the fixed charges which must be met by some-
body, either taxpayers or consumer, whether the plant is pub-
licly or privately owned.

A little over a year ago I had occasion to secure some in-
formation on the municipal plant of Amherst. In 1913, during
the time the plant charged 8 cts. for lighting, the cash book
shows income from all sources (except taxes) of $4,120.66 and
expenditure for operation of $5,867.67. During the same year
there was appropriated $3,850 from taxes to meet maturing
fixed charges and operating deficits. During 1909-1910 over $8,500
was spent out of taxes on the lighting plant. Yet in August,

Extract from an address before the Lorain (O.) Board of
Commerce.

1914, the authorities decided to reduce the rate from 8 cts. to 6 cts.

I inquired into this and was told that the reduction was made
"because some of the people thought they were paying more
than they ought !" And when I asked if the plant hadn't lost
a good deal of money the answer was : "Oh, no, we always have
paid all our bills. When we don't get enough from the cus-
tomers the council makes a levy, so we have never lost any-
thing." Canal Dover has a municipal plant in competition with
a private company. In -1913 the gross revenue, including street
lights, was $19,123.86,- while the operating expenses were $19,-
974.53 — an operating deficit of $850.67. The fixed charges for
that year were $11,000, making the total deficit $11,850.67 — a
little more than 100 percent of the gross revenue from private
consumers, making the cost of electric light 20 cts. per kilowatt
hour, of which the taxpayer pays half, whether he uses light
or not.

The question of depreciation is one which is almost invariably
neglected by municipal plants. Less than 10 percent of the re-
ports on municipal plants in this country take depreciation into
consideration, yet it is as inevitable as interest, or I was going
to say, taxes. But municipal plants do not feel themselves
obliged to pay their share of the taxes either. Perhaps that
is why they can so easily overlook depreciation.

The compiler of the 1912 census figures on electricity took
thirty cities and towns, including five places where municipal
plants are in operation, and found that the average rates for
service in these thirty places, ranging in population from 700
to millions, were as follows :

Residence, large 127 kw.-hr. @ 9.10

small 27 " 9.4

Retail store, large 1126 " 6.3

" " small 67 " 8.1

Drug store 200 " 7.4

Saloon 377 " 6.4

Church 156 " 8.7

This census director, in discussing the tendency to group
several local properties under a single management, says : "Un-
der such centralized management there have invariably fol-
lowed a renovation and enlargement of the properties, the in-
stallation of new apparatus, increase in service and facilities,
and supervision by men of higher abilities and attainments,
each of whom is expert in his chosen field, furnishing, therefore,
talent utterly beyond the power of the small plant to hire or
retain."

Service

The Maryland Public Service Commission has invited elec-
tric corporations doing business in that state to attend a con-
ference in the offices of the commission in Baltimore on Janu-
ary 12, the conference to last two days if necessary. It is pro-
posed to discuss at this meeting all matters appertaining to
electric service with special reference to the following : In-
spection and maintenance, interruptions to service, service-
testing facilities, records of tests of service, information to
consumers, accidents, complaints, voltage variation, meter test-
ing and accuracy, meter-testing facilities, records of meter
tests, meter readings and bill forms, meter rentals and deposits,
permissible meter accuracy, conditions of test, average ac-
curacy, "normal" load tests, tests on request of consumers, fees
for testing on complaint, periodic and installation (service)
tests. The chief engineer of the commission has been directed
to secure and report to the commission such information as
may be necessary to enable the latter to determine the proper
standards for electric service. He is authorized to employ such
experts as may be reasonably required to advise in the premises,
including officers and employees of the Bureau of Standards
maintained by the government of the United States.

ELECTRICAL

AGE

January, 1916

^,togiim<slf© W©Ms

The term "Volt," which is the word used for the unit of
electrical pressure, is named after Alessandro Volta, who in-
vented the electric battery.

Volta was born at Como, Italy, Feb. 18, 1745, in a home in
which the Volta family had lived for more than 300 years. His
people, though of good origin were very poor — so poor that the
boy had to borrow the little coin used for buying his copy-book
when he first went to school. As a child, strange as it may
seem, he was very backward. He was thin and pale, and other
little boys thought him dull, indeed. He was four years old
when he spoke his first word, "no." From the time of this
"event," however, his mind seemed to turn entirely to the
wonders of nature. Many times as a child he almost lost his
life in exploring caves and odd places where people never
went.

Two of his uncles interested themselves in his education and
he soon became a very accomplished student.

At sixteen he wrote poetry, and at seventeen he won prizes
in philosophy. At eighteen the famous Abbe Nolet, impressed
with the boy's knowledge, had him write essays on electricity
for the great men of the day, because people knew very little
about this mighty force in those times. At 20 he was proficient
in English, German, French, Swedish and Spanish, and knew
what was being done in the realm of science in those countries.

In 1774 he was appointed professor of physics in the school
at Como. In less than a year he constructed the first "electro-
phorus," which was made of two circular plates of metal with a
plate of resinin between. This was the idea of the condenser.

A few years later Volta became professor of physics at the
University of Pavia. Here it was that, trying to improve the
electrophorus, he invented the condenser which stored up elec-
tromotive forces. However, before long this was overshadowed
by a more important discovery, for it was here, also, that he
made the famous discovery with a frog's leg voltmeter that
resulted in the invention of the first electric battery.

The frog's leg voltmeter was a crude method of indicating
the presence of electricity, which had become known, when
Galvani, a distinguished Italian experimenter of Volta's time,
had by accident noticed that when the leg of a frog is left
attached to the trunk by the sciatic nerve only, if a mental be

interposed between the severed muscle and the nerve, the muscle
would contract whenever contact was made. Volta turned his
attention to this.

Being a metal disk and replacing the frog tissues with disks
of cloth soaked in acid, he produced the first battery electro-
motive force. He soon found that using two different kinds
of metal greatly increased the power of his "pile" as it was
called, and in the end the idea of the battery was complete.

The fame of this discovery first spread Volta's name over
Europe, but the striking effects of a giant battery that he built
in the year 1800 were needed to direct attention to its marvellous
possibilities. This battery consisted of a series of discs that
must have given many hundreds of.volts. It produced a current
that, to use the words of a writer of his time: "caused light
when applied to the muscles of the eye ; made a thin wife to glow
and burn ; caused a blinding flash of light when the ends of the
wires were pulled apart; decomposed water into gases; made
iron magnetic and deflected the magnetic needle from its path,"
and the writer goes on to describe other effects of the electric
current, many of which were really not generally known until
some years after.

Now, for the first time, a steady, measurable source of elec-
tromotive force could be produced at will and in constant
quantity.

It took Volta years to work out this complete battery from the
simple idea of the generation of electricity by contact.
But his fame was great and little else was talked about for
awhile in the scientific circles of Europe.

In 1782 Volta had travelled in Germany, Holland, England
and France. On his return he is said to have introduced the
culture of the potato into Lombardy.

He went on his second' tour as a renowned scientist. In
London, Berlin and Paris he was given all the honors the
world's great men received. The First Consul founded the
Volta prize, which was once conferred on Alexander Graham
Bell, inventor of the telephone. Bonaparte gave Volta a sword
a sum of 10,000 francs and made him a senator of Lombardy.
He also pensioned him to the extent of 3,000 francs a year
The emperor took the same liking to Robert Fulton and gave
Fulton 10,000 francs to help the Yankee to keep up on French
soil his experiments with submarine boats. It is told of Bona-
parte that he once visited the National institute and found
there a laurel wreath on a bronze tablet, on which were the
words, "Au Grand Voltaire." The emperor erased the last
three letters, thus making it read, "To the Great Volta." The
interest of Napoleon in Volta's work is partly explained by the
fact that Italy was then a part of the French Empire.

More impressive to Volta, must have been the statement of
Arago, one of the greatest minds of the time, who declared
"Volta's pile is the most wonderful thing that has ever come
from the mind of man, not excluding even the steam engine or
the telescope."

After his return from his triumphal tour, Volta was a lead-
ing light at the University of Pavia until he grew old and re-
tired to his home near Como.

He was noted for his kindness, piety and liberality. He
married late in life and was a loving husband and father. He
lived to be nearly 82 — dying in 1827.

Volta's two great ideas were the storing of electromotive
forces in the condenser, and the generation of electromotive
force by contact of certain metal and acids.

When therefore, many years after his death, the leaders in
electrical science met to give the names in use to-day due to the
different units of measurment that were being used in electrical
work, it is not surprising that the name of the inventor of the
electric battery which for a long time was the chief source
of electrical pressure, was given to that unit of measurment.
As a result, today the word volt preserves the genial Italian's
name in the languages of all civilized countries.

■whv* si;:

The Electrical Age takes pleasure in wishing a peace-
ful and prosperous New Year to all its subscribers and
other readers. In spite of the deplorable war still raging
on the other side of the world, we think that the pros-
pects of these wishes being realized were never better.
The high tide of prosperity now setting in on our for-
tunate country is reaching into nearly every field of
electrical activity. Manufacturer, contractor, dealer, all
those who supply electrical energy in its many forms,
unite in reporting record demand for their output. And
the indications of vast undertakings for the immediate
future promise that good business and its resulting pros-
perity will continue.

This is the time of the year when men pause for an
instant in their activities to look back over the period
just closing and see what has been accomplished.

On another page we have spread before the. readers
of Electrical Age some brief outlines of what has been
accomplished electrically in the year just completed.

Aside from the brilliant performance in wireless tele-
phony and the rumored improvements in submarine, de-
fence devices in England, there is nothing spectacular
in the picture — only a steady and solid advance all along
the line under none too favorable conditions in this coun-
try and downright adverse circumstances abroad.

Nevertheless there are a few developments that stand
out in their significance. Among them are the laying of
the keel of the first electrically driven battleship, the
start on construction of the first 40,000 kilowatt turbo-
generator and the increase in the efficiency of the tung-
sten lamp.

The most encouraging feature of the year's develop-
ment, however, is the steady increase in the wide-spread
use of electricity all along the line — in the small town
and among the farmers, as well as in the cities. Un-
doubtedly this has been doubly fostered by the increasing
economy and reliability of the incandescent lamp and
the numerous devices that now form part of the equip-
ment of the "home electrical," and perhaps even more
by the gradual cheapening of the cost of electricity itself.

The further reduction of rates which are being an-
nounced from time to time will further increase this
growth in consumption. In some of our large communi-
ties it would seem that there is still room for movement
in this direction, as it appears that the average rate in
London is much less than half that obtaining in the
larger cities in our own country.

The closing of the year with a rush of almost all kinds
of business and the amassing of capital, in the cities,
taken in connection with the record-breaking crops, has

started many plans for large improvements that have
been quietly maturing in the past season of depression.

One of the most important of these seems to be the
project for the construction of a huge, 130-foot dam at
the lower end of the Niagara gorge. By this plan the
output of electrical power from the Niagara River can be
almost doubled without in any way affecting the
scenic beauty of the falls.

There are other large prospects in the West, and the
huge generators lately ordered for Eastern plants are
certain evidence of the growth in demand for electrical
power.

<j£t *J» <l£t

As the New Year comes in, thoughtful people invar-
iably look ahead in the hope that, so far as limited human
prescience permits, they can devine the coming trend of
events. In a line that progresses as rapidly as does that
of electrical developments, it is especially difficult to
make any accurate forecast. A single basic discovery or
invention may so affect the path of progress as to turn it
in an entirely different direction. Nevertheless by an
understanding of what is now going on some reckoning:
may be made as to what the coming days will bring forth.

The questions that confront the world to-day — ques-
tions that affect the future course of civilization on this
planet — depend to a great extent on the development of
electricity and the men to-day employed in the electrical
industries are, therefore, those who will take up these
questions and ultimately solve them.

telegraphy and telephony

The first and oldest, and still one of the most indis-
pensible applications of electricity is the transmission of
thought. The achievements of wireless telephony dur-
ing the past year, lead to the belief that the time will
come when world wide international wireless telephony
will carry out the great work begun by the ocean cables,
of binding all men closer and by so much, lessen the
chances of a recurrence of the catastrophe that is now
threatening the economic ruin of Europe.

In ordinary telephony, loud speaking receivers will be
so improved that in the near future the hearing of con-
certs in our own homes may supersede, to an extent, the
"canned music" of the phonograph. The advance in
wireless telephony may even mean that a great singer,
performing in some old world capital, may be heard all
over North America by millions of people in moderate
circumstances without their having to go outside their
homes. What this may mean to the general well-being
can hardly, as yet, be realized.

electric lighting

In the next oldest field of electrical achievement, the
foremost indications point to the increased cheapness
of electric lighting and its vast extension. This form of

ELECTRICAL AGE

January, 1916

light is to-day in most places, cheaper than the oil and
gas lighting that it is supplanting. Yet less than half of
the people of this country to-day use electric light. The
field for extension is enormous. It will be occupied.

The continued improvement of the incandescent lamp
is possibly approaching its ultimate limit, yet the best
lamp is still one of the most wasteful applications of elec-
tricity known, utilizing less than one-fifth of the total
energy supplied. So there is a great and alluring chance
for improvement in this respect.

The other factor that will bring the domestic electric
light into its own will be the further cheapening of com-
mercial electricity. This- is forecasted in the increasing
size of the coming generators which will pass the 50,000
kilowatt limit mark in 1916.

WORKING, COOKING AND HEATING

The coming year will see a great incease in the use of
the one-hundred-and-one so-called "domestic utilities."
The washing machine, the iron, the sweeper, the jack-of-
all-trades house motor, the numerous table and kitchen
devices, as well as the electrical range and the domestic
electric refrigerator, whose application is one of the most
promising possibilities to the central station companies, as
well as to the public at large — all these will make a
long stride forward in general use during the coming
year.

Bold experiments in reduction of rates after the first
quota of kilowatt-hours used are being made to stimu-
late the use of these household helps, in one well-known
case running to as low as two cents a kilowatt-hour.
They will be successful and remain in force. There will
be no step backward. As the domestic servant of man,
the electric current will go on increasing its usefulness
to an extent that only a few years ago would have ap-
peared impossible.

INDUSTRIAL POWER

In this field, the progress already made, vast as it now
is, is only a step compared to what the near future will
show. The electric motor is conceded to be the best, most
flexible, durable and convenient driver of machinery
known. It is also one of the most economical of elec-
trical devices. All it needs to capture the entire field of
industrial power is the coming cheapening of the motive
energy.

The realm of marine propulsion is that in which the
largest power units known have been used until recently
surpassed by the turbo-generator in the big power sta-
tions on shore. The first electrically propelled battle-
ship is under construction. The new mercantile and
fighting fleets that are being built to repair the ravages
of the present war among the great shipowning nations
of the world, will be "electrically" operated throughout.

TRANSPORTATION

The rapid accumulation of capital in this country, en-
suing from the present revival of business, will undoubt-
edly stimulate the much-discussed "electrification" of
steam railroads, where the traffic conditions justify it.
This field of expansion has now passed well out of the
experimental and into the practical stage. Reaching out
from the great cities, the electrically operated sections
will gradually join and close up the gaps between.

Still more, the electric railroads which have been slack

in expansion, will now move forward to catch up with
the growing needs of the country. Signs of a quickening
movement in this industry, which was badly scared for
a while, by the bogie of jitney competition are coming to
the front.

The electric trucks and the electric automobiles, still
awaiting further improvement in the storage battery to
come fully into their own, are, nevertheless, forging
ahead and will continue to expand.

MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATIONS

Without attempting to touch on the ever-increasing
application of electricity to nearly all the branches of
industry, we may note that the making of electric steels
and electric smelting of metals continue to progress and
may in the near future lead to a result of basic import-
ance in the great iron and steel business.

Striking, too, is the promise of the newly invented
electrolytic irons which may in their development lead
to the production of generators, transformers and motors
much lighter and cheaper than those of to-day.

But most important of all the possible applications of
electricity perhaps, is the rapid increase of the com-
mercial production of nitrates from the fixation of at-
mospheric nitrogen. The effects of this industry on the
parent industry of all, agriculture, may come to be of
more importance to mankind than all the other elec-
trical industries put together. We look for a continued
expansion in the field, as in many others.

GENERAL

The various developments of electrical industry
touched upon in the foregoing, all point to an enormous
increase in the production, distribution and utilization of
electrical energy. The inevitable result of this increased
demand will be a series of steps that will ultimately end
in a vast net work of power stations, both steam driven
and water driven, that will cover virtually all of the thick-
ly populated sections of. the country with their circuits.
With the cheap and abundant power thus provided where-
ever a demand can be built up, will gradually evolve a
national electrical supply industry, country wide in its
scope, soundly financed and wisely regulated, that will
bring the full benefit of the coming electrical expansion
to all our people and become one of the world's mightiest
sources of material, comfort, prosperity and civilization.

Believing that the lives and pioneer work of the early
fathers of electrical science and invention are worthy of
being kept fresh in mind, Electrical Age proposes to
run, through this year, a series of brief, non-technical
sketches of twelve great men in the history of things elec-
trical.

On another page we present the leading facts and the
basic invention in the long and useful life of the Italian
scientist whose name was chosen for commemoration
in the familiar word "volt." We trust these brief por-
traitures will help make vivid to our readers the always
interesting and often tragic life stories of the men whose
memories are preserved in the naming of electrical units
of measuremnt.

3&<g©®2\& ©H i>im©©©§siMi31 IPffacgftfkg® amtfl ^©tftaall UssTpsffiusaii©©® ©2 JParadHl©®! Mdi.

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Z?_v Z?£// Penis

With the advent of the gas tilled tungsten incandescent lamp,
those interested therein immediately relegated the arc lamp to
the museum. Three years of service, on the contrary, have
brought out unexpected limitations of the incandescent lamp,
and by contrast, the high efficiency and suitability of the flaming
arc lamp in this field.

As to the future of street lighting units, we have the opinion
of such engineers as Dr. C. P. Steinmetz (remarks of Dr.
Steinmetz at the I. E. S. convention, Washington, D. C, Sept.,
1915) that the metallic incandescent lamp is limited in its
future development, and hardly any further improvement in
efficiency is to be expected.

Luminous arc lamps of the magnetic and titanium carbide
types and the true flaming arc, employing treated carbon as
the light giving element, are not limited by any physical proper-
ties of the materials used,
so that undoubtedly even
greater efficiencies than
those obtained are to be
anticipated. Of the arc il-
luminants, the carbon flam-
ing arc has the greater pos-
sibilities. The luminous
arcs are limited somewhat
in the choice of suitable
materials, whereas the
study of materials used in
the carbon flaming arc has
hardly begun, so vast is the
field.

Almost all that has been
published on the "high ef-
ficiency" tungsten lamp has
been based on the bare
lamp under laboratory con-
ditions. Little information
is supplied on the built-up
unit for street lighting. The
bare incandescent lamp
gives poor street illumina-
tion, owing to its unsuitable distribution and high
intrinsic brilliancy, causing blinding glare. Its very life depends
on protection against cold, rain and snow. Hence, the need of
building the bulb into a lantern, with the result, ultimately, that
the overall illuminating value of the lighting unit is approxi-
mately 1.25 watt per spherical c.p. (9.5 lumens per watt). Figure
1 is from a commercial advertisement of the N. Y. Testing
Laboratory in the Lighting Journal. It shows a loss of 47 per-

Type C Afazda L a/np Un/f

■400 Cand/epower A

130

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DISTRIBUTION
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MID-
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WITHOUT UNIT
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APPARENT CANDLE POWER

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125

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155

182

13.

135

239

135

308

125

3*2

103

115

393

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142

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105

399

389

195

20*

439

437

249

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472

2*0

\ \ 3c\ /\

-A- — "\ \ \

455

471

272

297

413

4*3

283

29fl

«5

384

430

285

283

358

435

284

255

301

374

281

217

248

307

272

171

18*

230

251

11*

112

inn

233

*2.5

125

217

0 N

38.0

111

235

sPH.
VALUES

340

2*8

201

2532

? 'O ZO <30 -40

Fig. 1 — Street light distribution curves

cent in the delivered c.p. by equipping the 400 c.p. (nominal rat-
ing) tungsten for use on street service.

The 300 watt (600 c.p. nominal rating) used by the city of
Chicago gives but 298 spherical c.p. with clear glassware, or an
efficiency of 1.1 watts per spherical c.p. (11 lumens per watt),
inclusive of the transformer loss of 25 watts. The values are
somewhat less under service conditions with the denser glass-
ware used and the higher transformer losses of the old equip-
ment, in fact 9.5 lumens per watt is the actual light value of
one of these units.

The commercial tests by the N. Y. Testing Laboratories on
used flame arc lamps for the street lighting committee of the
A. I. E. E., 1915, have developed the fact that illumination
of the white flame, series, street-lighting units with good modern
glassware will average during life of the trim better than 17

lumens per watt. This val-
ue of 17 lumens per watt is
comparable to the 9.5 lu-
mens for the tungsten unit
above quoted, since the
units in each case are com-
mercial types of diffusing
glassware. Considering the
white flame street lighting
lamp as 100 percent efficient,
the "half watt" incandescent
street lighting unit has an
efficiency of 56 percent. It
should be stated that in
each case the light is nearly
all in the useful lower hem-
isphere so it is practical to
double the lumens per watt
(spherical) as given above,
to obtain the lower hem-
ispherical values, i. e. 34
lumens per watt = .35 watt
per candle-lower hemispher-
ical with white flame lamp,
and flame 19 lumen per
watt = .63 watt per candle-lower hemispherical with tungsten
lamp.

The refractor has been an aid to the tungsten lamp in re-
directing the light to the 8o° line (10° below horizontal). Use
of this device has been made on the magnetite and the luminous
arcs to raise the maximum beam nearer to the horizontal, so
it is not without reason to presume that the refractor could
be made use of in a similar manner on the carbon flame arc.

ELECTRICAL AGE

January, 1916

When so equipped, an efficiency of .14 watt per candle on the
8o° beam is secured.

The use of the refractor has been questioned since its use
entails an extra loss in candle power and also since the redirected
system of lighting is not the best for street lighting purposes.
Diffused lighting of streets is within the natural sphere of the
flame arc lamp without the use of wasteful appliances. The
distribution lies nearly all in the lower useful hemisphere, with
the maximum beam along the 70° lice, differing from the re-
directed curves of the refractor in that the beam is not narrow
and attenuated, but on the contrary, contains a large volume
of light. This is shown in Fig. 2 where the curve lies almost
wholly below the horizontal or 900 line.

The carbon flame arc is composed of certain chemical salts
within a body of carbon. In burning, these salts have a tend-
ency to deposit and to etch the inner glassware, a feature that
has been made much capital of by the advocates of tungsten
lighting. It does exist, but it should no more condemn the arc
lamp than the 20 percent depreciation in the tungsten lamp
should condemn that lamp.

to 3a zo /e

'O to SO <?o

Fig. 2 — Diffusion curves of series alternating current flaming
arc lamps

During the burning of the carbons, some deposit collects on
the inner globe, somewhat after the manner of the old enclosed
arc lamp. Most of it, of course, collects on the bottom and
very little in the upper zones of greatest candle power, so
that the spherical c.p. depreciation caused thereby during, the
trim, with the present white flame carbons, is between 5 to 7
percent. After several trimmings, the inner globe becomes
somewhat etched, i. e. instead of being clear the globe presents
a diffusing surface. In three to six months the tranmission loss
from this cause should not exceed 20 percent on spherical
measurement, depending on length of time, on the care given
the lamps, the use of a magnesium carbonate block in the con-
denser to neutralize the etching agent, and to an even greater
extent to the use of high grade glassware instead of cheaper
lead globes which cost a little less but are very much inferior.

To press the point further, a direct comparison can be made
with the tungsten lamp. At the expiration of the guarantee
of 1300 hrs. the loss in c.p. is 20 percent. This length of life
corresponds to 4 months' service with the flame arcs. A higher
depreciation than 20 percent in the case of the incandescent lamp
would indicate improper operation ; so does a greater depre-
ciation in the flame arc lamp. The comparison shows that
under proper service and maintenance conditions there is no
occasion for regarding the arc lamp at a disadvantage with
respect to the tungsten on the score of depreciation.

A loss of 5 percent in candlepower is reported on an installa-
tion of 3,000 lamps, after 3 months' service. This measurement
is on the 8o° line where most of the light emerges. On this
installation, magnesium carbonate blocks are in use. Another
installation of to, 000 lamps, where less attention is paid to

this detail of maintenance, has been given much publicity as
showing a depreciation of 50 percent in 6 months. No in-
formation is given whether the depreciation is on the total or
spherical candle power basis or is based on some single beam
candle power measurements. Actually, the increased diffusing
surface of the glassware at the lower angle, of such etched glass-
ware, does not absorb as great an amount of light as would
be indicated by a beam measurement at any one angle in that
section of the globe. Much of the light that fails to pass
through is reflected out at upper angles, resulting in a higher
candle power than would be expected from readings based on
beam candle power. It is well known that the distribution curve
of a flaming arc lamp is foreshortened in the lower angles and
increased in higher angles near the horizontal when the clear
globe is replaced by a diffusing opal globe. Such condition is
approximated by the etching of the lower portions of the globe.

Returning to the case in question, a 50 percent loss of light in
six months would prove that this lamp system is not being run
on an economical basis and to its best advantage. The yearly
cost of this system (covering the flame arc lamps only) is
$500,000. New inner glassware is supplied every six months,
during which period they are allowed to run down to 50
percent of the original illuminating value. During the year
the average c.p. lost would be 50 percent of the available, i. e.,
$250,000 worth of illumination. $250,000 would purchase 2
new globes each week for the entire circuit for a whole year.
It would seem then, that if such a loss were actually the case, it
would be more economical to supply a new globe every three
months at an increase of only $6,000 (1.2 percent) and keep up
the installation above 90 percent average of the maximum
available illumination. Actually, there is plenty of data to show
that the flame arc will operate throughout the year at an aver-
age of about 90 percent maximum available light with a 4 month
renewal of inner glassware. The tungsten lamp with a loss
of 20 percent per lamp life, can only operate at an average of
90 percent maximum available life. (Average depreciation dur-
ing each 4 months is 10 percent-).

The comparative costs of the above system of 10,000 flaming
arcs and a 300-watt "half watt' tungsten system operated in
conjunction is as follows : Elect. Jr., June, 1915 (Ray Palmer) :

Flame arcs $50.31 17 lumens per watt equipt for street use.

300 watt tungsten $40.66 9.5 lumens per watt

The assumption is made that due to the depreciation of the
glassware during the 6 months, the illumination is the same
for both. Without questiom'ng the facts, it would appear that
economy would dictate an extra expenditure of 60c per year for
each flame lamp, making a globe renewal each 1,000 hrs. (1300 hrs.
would be sufficient) and thus keep the system up to 90 percent
average illuminating efficiency, which is no more than can be
had from the tungsten lamps. The corrected cost of that
system would then be

Flame arcs.--_$50.31 17 lumens per watt J equal j. 100!? illumina' ion

Tungstens $40.66___9.5 " " " I depreciation I 62%'

Tungstens based on equal illumination $72.50 100I>

Aside from reasons of efficiency and cheapness per candle-
year there are esthetic and physiological considerations favorable
to the white flaming arc. A softly diffusing light is as inherent
to the flaming arc as glare is inherent to the incandescent lamp.
In white way and business district lighting, the illumination from
these flaming arcs cause an attractive contrast to the usual
yellowish tint of the display window illumination. Such im-
portant physiological considerations as the quality of the light
as well as the quantity were leading impulses that had led to
the development of this source of illumination and are still the
subject of ever increasing experimentation. The flaming arc
in commercial use has proven these claims by giving better
light, more light and cheaper light than any known commercial
lighting unit now on the market.

January, 1916

ELECTRICAL

AGE

;miriraiai

i? 1^1(0)^

Z?v P. Justus

A booster is a dynamo which is used for boosting voltage.
Boosters are of various types and used in a variety of ways. In
street railway work they are used to raise the voltage on trolley
feeders and for regulating the charge and discharge of storage
batteries. Feeders going out from railway power houses are of
widely varying lengths. Assuming a condition such as is shown
in Fig. 1. Here G is generator in power house connected to the
positive and negative buses. The negative bus is suitably
grounded to the rails. Connected to the positive bus are two
feeders. Feeder to trolley section A is a short one so that with
maximum number of cars that liable to be on it at one time, an
excessive drop in voltage does not occur. Feeder to section B
is a good deal longer and develops excessive voltag drop when
loaded. Conditions do not warrant installing the extra copper
required to reduce the excessive drop. It may be a feeder sup-
plying a trolley running to a summer resort where the traffic
is heavy for a few months only. A booster E is therefore placed
in the line and is called a "line booster."

the line when the power goes off. Referring to Fig. 2 shows that
in case the power goes off the line the motor would stop and
when the power comes on again if the motor is not disconnected
before the power comes on again a short circuit would occur.

Fig. 1 — Simple Railway Boostei
Diagram

Some power houses have generators specially designed for
this purpose, although the regular generators that happen to be
idle may by suitable switching arrangements be used as boost-
ers. The armature of the booster is connected in series with
the feeder whose voltage is to be increased; the station gen-
erators being as a rule compound wound so that when used as
a booster, the feeder is cut in series with the armature and series
field. Owing to the fact that the booster must carry the entire
load of the feeder or feeders that happen to be connected in
series with it, the armature and series field must be large
enough to take care of all the load the feeders may be called
upon to deliver.

The feeder current passing through the series field makes the
voltage of the booster self-regulating to a great extent and pro-
portional to the load. If additional voltage regulation is re-
quired, the shunt field may be separately excited by direct con-
nection to the station bus. The voltage of the booster is that
required to compensate for the drop in the feeder. Suppose
that the maximum demand on the feeder is 600 amperes and
with this current flowing the voltage at the end of section B
is 460 volts with 500 volts at the bus bars in the station. Booster
E in this case would supply the 40 volts loss. Boosters can be
built to suit any special requirements. Where specially designed
to meet some particular condition they are usually motor direct
connected to a shunt motor. They may be located at any point
in the system as long as the armature is in series with the.
feeder. Unless lack of space or some other condition prevent*,
it, boosters are located in the power house where they can be
attended to along with the rest of the equipment. If located
away from the power house there must also be provided with
means for automatically disconnecting the driving motor from

Fig. 2 — Field Connections of Series Booster

Boosters are also used in connection with storage batteries
for charging and discharging them. Take for instance an ar-
rangement as shown in Fig. 3. Here a no volt generator is
working in parallel with a storage battery on heavy loads and
the battery alone on light loads. For the storage battery to
maintain no volts to end of discharge when carrying the load
alone would with a minimum of 1.8 volts require 61 cells. To

Fig. 3 — Battery unboosted

recharge 61 cells would require about 160 volts. The battery is
recharged by the generator during periods of light load. In
order therefore to recharge this battery the generator voltage
would have to be increased as the charging progressed to the
above amount. This increased voltage would be detrimental
to the lights. The voltage of 61 cells would also be considerably
above no when fully charged. To maintain a uniform voltage
on discharge a number of the cells called end cells are discon-
nected at the beginning of the discharge and cut in one by one
as the voltage decreases.

To maintain no volts on the line and still charge the battery
use is made of a booster in series with the battery will supply
the voltage required in excess of no volts for charging the bat-
tery. This is known as a shunt booster.

By using a booster of the reversible type the voltage of the
booster can be made to assist the battery in discharging. In
such a case the end cells can be dispensed with. Then to charge
56 cells about 36 volts will have to be furnished by the booster.
On discharge with a minimum of 1.8 volts per cell the voltage of
battery will be 100 volts less than the line voltage and that
amount will have to be supplied by the booster. Although the
maximum voltage delivered by the booster is less when used
reversibly, the cross section of copper in the armature will have
to be greater as it has to carry the maximum discharge cur-
rent of the battery.

ELECTRIC A I AGE

January, 1916

Fig. 4 shows the connections of a non-reversible booster with
end cells, and Fig. 5 of a reversible booster without end cells.

Fig. 5 — Reversible Booster

Fig. 6 is a diagram of a differential booster in connection with
a storage battery used in parallel with generators on a fluctuat-

im^

X X )5

Fig. 6 — Differential Booster

ing load such as is encountered in steel mills and railway ser-
vice. This booster is provided with a series winding only
which is in series with the load and must be heavy enough to

carry the entire load continuously. G is the generator. SB is
the storage battery. B the booster armature, and F the booster
field. The voltage generated by the booster is in opposition to
the voltage of the generator G and helps to discharge the battery
when a demand above normal is made on- the system. On light
loads the voltage of G is higher than that of the booster and
current flows into the battery and charges it. Under normal
conditions the booster voltage plus the battery voltage just
balance the voltage of G and he battery is neither charged or
discharged. There is also the booster controlled by a carbon
pile regulator, a diagram of which is shown in Fig. 7. Two
piles of carbon discs are connected as shown in the figure which
are alternately compressed by the lever actuated by the solenoid
5" in series with the line. With heavy load the pull of the solen-
oid compresses pile C I, the current then flows through exciter
field EF so that the voltage of booster B is added to that of
the battery causing it to discharge and aid the generator G in

Fig. 7 — Booster connections with carbon pile regulator

handling the load. On light loads the spring at other
of lever pulls it down so that pile C 2 is compressed. Current
through exciter field then flows in a reverse direction thereby
reversing the booster' field' BF and reversing the polarity of the
booster so that its voltage is added to that of the generator G
and charges the battery. The amount of charge and discharge
is varied by the tension on spring on the lever.

teiiiMvoi

The pole-pieces and the armature of a generator or of a
motor exert a strong pull on each other irrespectively of
whether or not, the external circuit is supplying useful energy.
With excited field poles of exactly the same strength and with
a perfectly uniform air-gap, the magnetic pulls will be equa?
in all directions and it may fairly be assumed that the armature
core is not forced in any direction excepting insofar as it is
forced in a downward direction by its weight.

A 100 kilo-watt alternator was complained of on account of
excessive heating of its field coils and bearings. An inspector
who was sent to locate the trouble found that it was necessary
almost to continuously pour oil through one of the bearings in
order to avoid shutting down. It was ascertained that all
trouble dated from the second night before when a stroke of
lightning had grounded a field coil which had to then be
replaced with a spare. Careful inspection of the coil failed to

reveal any irregularity but a compass test of polarity disclosed
that there were three N poles in a row on the side opposite to
that on which the bearing was heating. The middle coil of the
three was the new one and evidently it had been installed end
for end although its appearance would not have suggested
such a condition. On temporarily reversing the coil by inter-
changing its terminal connections, all bearing heating stopped
within an hour and the rectifying of the wrong polarity so in-
creased the voltage of the machine that the exciter voltage had
to be decreased in order to hold the alternating voltage down,
to normal.

With the alternator field coil reversed it had been necessary
to operate the exciter with fall field ; this of course over-loaded
both the exciter and the alternator field and caused both to heat.
After the change the heating bcame normal.

E. C. Parham.

January, 1916

ELECTRICAL

AGE

W^M&iKm&l

^So&wfiaag) ©if

'fw©m

The time will soon be here now when water pipes freeze up
and other similar occurrences take place. Perhaps there is
nothing more annoying and irritating than a fiozen water pipe;
and nothing gives one a feeling of greater satisfaction and re-
lief than to have it remedied quickly and simply with the least
possible expense and loss of time. Thawing frozen water pipes
presents a very effective way in which the wide-awake central
station manager may ingratiate himself and his company with
its patrons, dispose of a few kilowatt-hours at extremely ad-
vantageous rates, and at the same time carry on an effective
advertising campaign without appearing to do so and at no cost.

Thawing water pipes by means of electricity is not a new
idea ; in fact it has been done with very satisfactory results
for many years. While its value as a means of overcoming the
interruption to the water supply has long been well recognized,
although not to the extent that one would expect,' the value of
doing it electrically has not been taken advantage of as an ad-
vertising medium. No great skill is required for thawing
pipes, only a little care ; nor is any special apparatus necessary,
standard equipment being used. A thawing outfit consists of
a wagon, a transformer, controlling and protecting apparatus,
lengths of cable and wire, and two men. The transformer
used may vary from 15 to 100 kilowatts capacity depending
upon the diameter of the pipes to be thawed; the usual dis-
tributing transformer, 2300-230/110 volts being used. The trans-
former should be protected by a cut out fused at about 50 per
cent above the continuous rating of the transformer. The
wires which connect the transformer to the circuit should be
arranged that connection can be made with least effort, delay
and danger to the lineman. The wires should be heavily in-
sulated, with wooden spacers afixed so that they cannot come
together and cause short circuits. For the control of the voltage
applied to the transformer, and the current flowing in the
secondary therefore, a water rheostat is very suitable, although
if much of this class of work is to be done a choke coil designed
specially for the work will be more economical and permit of
bietter regulation of current. Where a water rheostat is used
the water supply should be ample otherwise it may heat up if
the current is applied for any length of time continuously. The
cables used for carrying the heavy current in the secondary
should be of more than sufficient capacity that the voltage drop
in them will be minimum. Good contact where the cables are
connected to the pipe should always receive careful considera-
tion, because often the resistance of the pipes is high and in-
creases somewhat as they warm up. In all cases an ammeter
should be placed in circuit, preferably in the transformer
primary through a current transformer having a ratio of one
to one. The lay out should be as simple and as compact as
possible, so that the number of movements will be few.

The time required, and also the energy, to thaw a pipe of
any definite diameter are both extremely variable quantities be-
cause the heat conductivity of the soils through which the pipe
passes vary so widely. However the heating of the current
varies as the square of the current, hence the desirability of
using high amperage is apparent. There is another reason for
using as high a current as possible compatible with safety to
the pipe and its surroundings and that is that the heat losses
through condition will be lower the higher the rate at which the
heat is applied, within limits. In the endeavor to thaw the
pipe quickly the possibility of damaging the pipe or the sur-
roundings must be kept in mind at all times. Experience is the
best guide in this matter.

The charge for thawing water pipes is often a fixed one ac-
cording to time, a definite sum the first hour, plus additional
charge for the second hour or each additional fifteen minutes;
or it may be a definite charge per thaw depending upon the di-
ameter of the pipe and the ground in which it is submerged.
Where a fixed price per thaw is charged, which charge usually
varies from $5 to $15, it should be kept in mind that if electricity
were not used it would probably be necessary to open up the
stieet — in most cases an expensive proposition and one which
requires considerable loss of time.

Remembering that thawing the pipes electrically is to be a
matter not only of utility but also for advertising it follows
that the wagon in which the thawing outfit is transported from
place to place must be taken into consideration. Wherever
feasible this wagon should be electrically propelled, and not
horse-drawn. From the practical point of view the elec-
trically propelled vehicle is superior to one using a
horse because there is no necessity to consider feeding the
horse or keeping it warm, there is no horse to be watched, the
driver manipulating the thawing outfit. With the electrically
propelled vehicle there is no restriction as to hours work per
diem, heavier loads can be drawn and they can be moved from
place to place much quicker. The use of an electric wagon
shows that the central station company practices what it preach-
es; the fact can be made more conspicuous by placing a sign
on the wagon saying "Electric Service, Simple, Economical,
Reliable," and similar wordings or slogans.

Much is being said these days about preparedness in times
of peace for war, that it would be well for all central sta-
tion companies to prepare for cold weather before it comes. It
is usually the first real cold snap that causes the most trouble,
annoyance and expense. Thawing water pipes is a convenience
to the public, it is a source of income to the central station
company, and by a little judicious forethought it may also be
an energetic and profitable advertising campaign.

K. Q. R.

Henry A.

The recent developments in load dispatching and system plant
operation have demanded that all switchboard instruments shall
have a commercial accuracy. This accuracy must be determined
periodically by routine tests on all station instruments and
meters. This feature of central station practice has grown to
such an extent that large systems maintain testing laboratories
and employ instrument men for the purpose of checking,
cleaning and repairing electrical instruments.

In the most modern stations provision is now made to faci-
litate this work. On the other hand the testing of instruments
located in the older stations is somewhat of a problem. In-
quiry into the cause of this problematic condition will reveal
that the largest operating systems are holding companies. These
companies have purchased the rights of several small companies
and are operating their stations until the time arrives when

Cozzens, Jr.

they can be abandoned and the load connected to a modern
central station.

These small stations has no facilities for testing instru-
ments. The switchboard control and instrument wiring was in-
stalled according to numerous and varied schemes. The causes
underlying these schemes and their variation were mainly that
the wiring of switchboard panels was not standardized. To-day
manufacturers supply standard panels for feeder and generator
circuits. Furthermore switchboards were formerly built with
little or no provision for future growth.

Central station men realize the need for standardized wiring
on the panels and the introduction of switches and other facili-
ties for the testing of instruments. Standardized wiring means
safety, neat appearance and facility of testing.

ELECTRICAL

A G

January, 1916

The first step towards facilitating the testing of instruments
was the introduction of terminal blocks. When testing am-
meters it was possible to trace the leads from the instrument
down to the terminal block, placing test clips there to short
circuit the current transformer. This scheme eliminated the
practice of "skinning" wires on the rear of panels with its
resultant unsightly appearance. To prevent testers from dis-
arranging the wiring when removing the leads from the in-
strument terminals a loop scheme was tried. This consisted of
looping the wire just before the terminal so as to enable it to
be removed easily from over the instilment stud.

The latest idea in instrument testing is the introduction of
the short circuiting switch. This switch is of the double
throw pattern so constructed that when in one position the
ammeter is in the circuit, while when thrown into the other
position the ammeter is removed from the circuit and the trans-
former short circuited. The advantages gained in the use of
this switch are several; firstly the tester cannot make the
wrong connections as when he had to trace the wiring down to
the terminal block and then run the possibility of attaching
the test clips to the wrong terminals. Thus the introduction of
switches involves the safety of both the tester and the equip-
ment. Another advantage is the facility of testing, since with
the switches the test leads may be attached directly to the jaws
and the wiring on the board not disturbed to remove the leads
from the terminals of the instrument under test. The wiring
instead of being placed in single layers on the back of the
board so as to enable tracing may now be grouped in a small
space several layers deep.

The testing of station watthour meters passed through the
same development. The first step in the actual improvement
was the scheme of placing baby knife switches in series with
each lead to the meter. After short circuiting the current
transformers the switches could be opened and the test at-
tached to the upper jaw of each switch, doing away with re-
moving the leads from the meter terminals. This scheme was
open to the objection that it lacked uniformity; that is the
construction department would interchange the position of the
leads on the switches on different installations. To combat this
a seven pole switch for use with polyphase watthour meters
was introduced. This switch works on the same idea as the
ammeter short circuiting switch on the current leads, the po-
tential leads being opened by ordinary single throw elements.
With the' introduction of the switch a standard wiring layout
was adopted and now all meter installations are uniform.

Some switchboards are equipped with either five or six pole
tests switches but the seven pole arrangement offers the ad-

vantages of expediency and facility of testing meters as well
as simplicity in wiring. It has the disadvantage, however, that
more wiring is used than with switches with fewer poles. In
the illustration is shown the application of a seven pole test
switch with short circuiting connections on the current elements
as arranged for a 2 phase, 4 wire meter. The current elements

Secondary Jaws of Switch to
■-■' Short Circuit Transformers

y-pole instrument test panel

of the meter may be placed in series by putting a jumper on
jaws No. 3 and No. 5 and putting the potentials in parallel
by jumping jaws No. 1 and No., 7. This enables the meter to be
tested as a single phase meter. This scheme eliminates the re-
moval of leads from the terminals of the meter for testing so
that the wiring on the rear of panels need not be disturbed.

These recent developments in switchboard appliance make the
maintenance of accurate indicating and recording instruments
a simple matter. The appearance of the rear of the panels as
well as their condition has been greatly benefited by these de-
vices.

LDlimsm^ir

When the service is of alternating current the method usual-
ly used is what is known as reactive resistance. It consists 01
a coil of large wire connected in series on one side of the line,
as shown in Fig. 1. It is so arranged that a core of soft iron
wires may be inserted in the coil when it is desired to dim the

1 Variable Reactance

Fig. 1 — Simple reactance coil dimmer for alternating Current

light. It depends for its operation upon the principle of sell
induction, which acts to induce a current in the wires of the
coil which will tend to flow in the opposite direction to that
from the line, as this opposing current is considerable when the
core in inside the coil and very little when the core is not in

the coil. It will be seen that the main line current may be regu-
lated in this way and no extra current wasted as is the case
when resistance is cut in in series on the line.

Variable Resistance

6 O

Fig. 2 — Resistance dimmer for direct current

Another method shown in Fig. 2 is to connect in series on
the line a variable resistance, which usually consists of some
standard resistance spools and a variable contact tap, connected
between each coil to a contact segment which are arranged on
the face of a resistance box and an arm arranged to cut in or

January, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

out part of the coils, which will cut down the current taken by
the lamps. This method is very expensive as it wasts the extra
energy and causes it to be expended in heat.

Another method is what is known as the series parallel
method and is controlled by a double throw, three pole knife
switch which is connected so that when it is in on one side
that the lamps will be in series and when thrown over to the other
side that the lamps will be in parallel As two lamps in series will

uouble throw - Three Pole
-' Knife Snitch

I Series Parallel

^nr^

Fig- 3 — Direct or alternating current single-step dimming
connection -

make them burn dim when connected across a circuit of the
proper voltage for them to be connected across in parallel
This requires that the lamp sockets be arranged in pairs of two
in series and requires a lot of extra wiring. It is not to be
recommended as when the lamps are burned for some time their
internal resistance will be changed and this will cause one of
the pair in series to make more light than .the other and will
result in an uneven distribution of light. This scheme is shown
in Fig. 2 and is too inflexible.

Double Pole

Snap Switch to cut
Circuits in Series or
Parallel

Switch to turn
Lights out

Fig. 4 — Connection for same brilliance on 2 voltages

This same connection is sometimes used on test circuits
where it is desired to use the same bank of lights and have
alternating current at a voltage of 220 on one side and a
voltage of no on the other side direct current. Which will re-
sult in the lights burning to their full brilliancy on both posi-
tions of the switch.

All the above is standard and is well known in the field but
the method used in the following is said to be novel, especially
as used for this purpose.

As will be seen from the accompanying sketch as used it does
not require any rewiring of the place and is not expensive, as , an
ordinary double pole snap switch may be used. A main line
switch should be used to control the circuits and the double
pole just be used for the dimming effect.

The circuits are arranged so that they are fairly well balanc-
ed as far as watts per circuit is concerned. Then the connec-
tions necessary may be made in the pannel board box and the
r gular circuit fuses may be left in circuit.

L ink Fuses on Panel Board

■.Link Fuses on Panel
Board

'Dimmer
Switch

Fig. 5 — Single-step dimming connection as arranged for 3
circuits

The effect produced will be : when the snap switch is on and
the main line switch closed the lamps will be burning in parallel
across the line and when it desired to dim the illumination
all that is necessary is to turn the snap switch off. This will
connect the three circuits in series across the line, as the : re-
sistance of the circuits will depend upon the number of lamps
on each circuit and the size of the lamps. The range to which
this can be used is almost unlimited.

This is the least expensive of all the different methods and
should be used more. It is shown in Figs. 4 and 5.

The knife switch is used to turn the lamps clear out as the
snap switch will not do this when connected this way.

lV<

M©ft€II

By Arthur Hearvey

The most apparent weakness of the induction and synchron-
ous motor is its poor starting qualities. This is due to the
stator and armature being in the condition of a transformer
with the secondary short-circuited when the voltage is applied
to the stator winding while the armature is not moving.

Induction and synchronous motors require a starting cur-
rent from 2 to 5 times the full load current. Such starting
currents for motors of 5 horse-power and larger cause severe
disturbances in the line by a large voltage drop and load varia-
tions. In order to keep these currents within reasonable limits,
starting compensators or resistances are used.

Induction motors with squirrel-cage rotors should be used
where relatively large starting currents are not objectionable.
If a heavy load is to be started, the supply line should be of
sufficient cross section to prevent a large voltage drop, as the
torque decreases with the square of the decrease in the voltage.

The squirrel-cage induction motor is particularly adapted to
dusty places and on account of the absence of sliding contacts
and switches in the motor, they can be used with safety in
powder mills and other places where a spark may cause an
explosion.

The best form of starter for the squirrel cage motor is
known as the compensator. This consists of inductive wind-
ings, one coil for each phase, which are provided with several
taps and which supply a large current to the motor at a reduced
voltage. Their effect is equivalent to a step-down transformer.
The product of the voltage and current on the line circuit is
approximately equal to the corresponding product on the motor
circuit. Each coil is placed on a separate leg of a laminated iron
core and is provided with several taps to obtain a number of
sub-voltages for permanent connection to the starting switch
of the motor.

ELECTRICAL AGE

January, 1916

Diagram No. 1 shows the connections of a 3 phase com-
pensator made by the General Electric Company. The cylinder
switch is operated by a level which has three positions, "off,"
"starting," and "running." In the "off" position the motor and
compensator are disconnected from the line. In the "starting"
position the three free ends of the coils are connected to the
line and the motor to the taps of the compensator winding as
shown in Diagram 2. In the "running" position the compen-
sator winding is cut out and the motor is connected to the
line through fuses Fi, which are smaller than the fuses F2. To

Diagrams 1 and 2— Starting Connections

meet the various requirements, the compensator for standard
motors below 20 horse-power are provided with taps for
starting the motor at 50, 65, and 80 percent of the line voltage,
with currents at 25, 42 and 65 percent of the current that would
be taken if no compensator were used. For larger motors taps
are provided to give a starting voltage of 40, 58, 70 and 85
percent of line voltage with currents at 16, 35, 50, 72 percent of
what would be taken if the motor were connected directly to
the line. The contacts are easily renewable and so constructed
that the arc does not take place on the rubbing surfaces.

When an exceedingly heavy load is to be started an induction
motor with a wound rotor should be used. Its starting current
is controlled by an external resistance in the rotor circuit as
shown in Diagram No. 3. The type of motor has the same

Slip
Rings

Diagram 3 — Wound rotor motor connections

stator as that used for the squirrel-cage machine, but its rotor
bars are connected together to form a winding. But this wind-
ing is not closed on itself as in the squirrel-cake machine, it is
left open at points which are connected to 3 slip rings, and the
winding is closed outside of the machine through resistances
which can be adjusted. The winding is finally short circuited
when the motor is up to speed.

The starting torque of the synchronous motor is usually
limited to the "pull-in torque;" that is, the torque that is
available when the motor is changed from an induction motor
to a synchronous motor. This pull-in torque is usually about
25 percent of the full load torque. When starting the field
should be short-circuited through a resistance as shown in
Diagram 4 to prevent a high voltage being generated in the
field coils which might break down the insulation. When the
armature reaches synchronism, as indicated by a drop in the
alternating current, the compensator switch is thrown into the
running position and then the direct current switch is closed
and its currents adjusted.

Synchronous Motor
A. C Winding

Diagram 4 — Synchronous motor starting connections

The torque of the wound rotor at starting may be made
equal to the maximum running torque by inserting resistances
in the armature circuit equal to the difference between the re-
actance and /the resistance of the rotor winding. The total
resistance should be larger, as the maximum torque is usually
designed to occur in running with natural armature circuits,
at a decrease in speed of 10 to 15 percent of full load speed,
the rotor and stator currents not exceeding twice full load cur-
rents. So that the resistance inserted in the rotor circuit
serves the double purpose of increasing the starting torque and
keeping the starting current within bounds.

The modern self-starting synchronous motor has a squirrel-
cage winding distributed through slots in the pole faces of
the d.c. winding, in both stationary and revolving field type.
This squirrel-cage winding performs exactly the same duty
when starting the synchronous motor as the squirrel-cage wind-
ing of the ordinary induction motor. The synchronous motor
therefore, requires a compensator to step down the voltage
when starting the same as an induction motor of the squirrel-
cage type.

A large starting torque is obtained at a sacrifice of efficiency
and a large air-gap clearance, and a large over-load capacity
by a sacrifice of power-factor. The overload capacity of a
motor should never be less than twice full-load because, since
overload capacity is approximately proportional to the square
of the applied voltage, a drop in voltage of 20 percent would
cause such a motor to drop out of step if operating at 50
percent overload.

The direction of rotation of both the synchronous and in-
duction motors is reversed by reversing two of the leads for
a 3-phase motor and one of the phases for a 2-phase motor.
■•J*- ■*$*■ *$?

A Sfew Wij HP©!? CSaasagisag) Tism%)Mll®%wi(&'%
©IE mt Smlbsfta,aa®saffi

At one of the smaller substations of the Pacific Power j&
Light Company, operating in Oregon and Southern Washing-
ton, it recently became necessary to transfer oil from three 200
K. V. A. transformers to another bank of 333 K. V. A. rating,
newly installed. As this work could not be executed with the
transformers in use, employing electric power as provided at the
plant, a simple and rather ingenious method was devised by
using an automobile.

One of the rear wheels of the car was jacked up, a three-inch
belt run around the tire and over a pulley on the end of the
motor shaft gaverning the oil regulation. With the automo-
bile running, the control of speed was readily obtained from the
gas throttle, and the oil transferred with utmost dispatch, at a
considerable saving of time and labor.

liidcgm*

ifia® 1&©w asiffll
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smaisga©!^ asu^nl

Qjasgft&Dsms naM ^oa^wcg^s aaudl g>sra<etd@§i31 I£)ag(gmssa©aii5 ®H famfe JxiSnas'ig

^m&<slta^ ©if ^a^ji-i^in^im],

i&mm

Replying to question of J. N. in December issue of Electrical
Age on grounding, I submit the following information :

Ground wiring of the poles is the wire or wires used to con-
nect apparatus with the ground.

It object is to carry current to the earth in case of trouble
which acts as a protection to the apparatus.

L igh tnmq A rresters

Strain Insulators

.-■-" Disconnecting Snitch
Line Wire

'.-Ground Wire

Figs, i and 2 — Details of Grounding Methods

Following are the different parts of apparatus that are some-
times grounded :
Lightning arresters.
Pole type transformer cases.
Through bolts at dead ends.
Secondary distribution systems.

Steel pins and cross-arms at line and highway crossing on
transmission lines.

Steel towers.

Unoccupied feeders.

Exterior high-tension meter installations.

Grounding of lightning arresters is shown in Fig. I. The
size of ground wire is generally No. 6 T.B.W.P. solid conductor
being the same as the line wires. The ground wire is stapled
under cross-arm and sometimes covered with wood moulding
down pole to iron pipe into which it is soldered. The wood
moulding is fastened by means of pipe straps. The length of
ground pipe is generally ten feet but longer if the ground is in
a dry place. Paper is put in pipe about 2 in. from top and then
bare wire is inserted and solder poured around. The grounding
of transformer cases is generally made by placing bare wire
under a bolt and then fastening same, with ground at earth as
in Fig. 1.

The grounding of through bolts on 12,000 volt line dead ends
prevents the burning of cross-arms or pole in case the strain
insulators are broken by lightning or damaged reducing the
insulation.

Tne grounding of secondary distribution systems is carried
out as in Fig. 1, joining the ground wire to the neutral or one
side of a two wire system.

The steel bases of disconnecting switches are grounding for
the same reason as in Fig. 2.

Steel pins and cross-arms on wood-pole transmission lines
are often grounded at points of crossing with other circuits or at
highway crossings. This is done to protect the circuits and
cross-arms from burning, the idea being that the safety devices
will operate in time to prevent the burning of pin or cross-
arm. This arrangement is called for by standard practice in
the United States and has long be,en obligatory in most Euro-
pean countries.

The grounding of steel towers set in concrete is recommended
where tower is located in a dry place. Size of ground to be
same as line wire and length of ground pipe depending on soil
condition.

The grounding of unoccupied feeders, those of 12,000 volts or
more is done at generating station or sub-station by throwing a
disconnecting switch to ground position and by throwing a
chain or similar conductor over line to steel rails while line
is being repaired. The grounding of exterior 2200 volt meter
installations is the grounding of current transformer secondary
side and is carried out as in Fig. I.

In general, the length of ground pipe is determined by the
dampness of soil surrounding pole. W. I.

5°

ELECTRIC A L AGE

January, 1916

In order to protect a transmission line from lightning and
electrostatic disturbances, ground-wiring of the poles (or tow-
ers) is employed. If a transmission line is enclosed by a
grounded conducting system, no external disturbances can enter
it, and to approximate as near as possible this condition, one
or two, and sometimes more, wires, known as ground wires
are strung and connected with the ground at every fourth or
fifth pole in case wooden construction is used, or at every pole
in case metallic construction is employed. The greater the
number of wires, the more perfect will be the protection af-
forded, but usually for reasons of economy, one or two wires
are more often employed. When two are used, they are placed
at the ends of the upper cross-arm, or in a separate cross-arm
in a plane above that of the line. In such a case the ground
wires are more likely to receive the lightning discharge due to
their higher position, and to more effectively protect the line
from electrostatic charges caused by storms drifting across
it because of their position at the ends of the poles — the farther to
the side the better. In case but one wire is used it is run on
the pole top as shown in the accompanying sketch. For mechan-
ical reasons ground wires are sometimes run on insulators, but
quite often they are fastened direct to the poles. With steel
poles and towers the latter method is generally used.

Barbed wire is sometimes used as the ground wire because
it is more effective than ordinary wire against certain atmos-
pheric disturbances such as electrostatic charges, but its great
disadvantage is its short life. Galvanized iron wire is more
often used.

It is estimated that the use of ground wires causes a reduc-
tion of at least 50 percent in insulator failures.

Irving B. Stanton.

The follozving are offered for your discussion. If you have
information on these subjects or if you have had experience in
these matters, then here is the chance for you to help those in
difficulty. Published answers and discussions ore paid for.

Testing Street Light Circuit

What is the best way to locate open circuits and grounds on
series street lighting system? Some method is needed that will
require minimum time to do the work . E. A.

Current Division

With transformer connection is shown what proportion of
current will be drawn from A and B when full load is being
taken from transformer C? All three are to run 1600/220-iiu
transformer of the same make and type. P. S. H.

a/nAA/VWWVs

kvVVVVV\AAAA/N

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KAAAAAA/1 KAAAAAA/1 IWVWWl

3 -Wire System

Making a Choke Coil

Kindly give full directions for constructing a simple choke
coil to produce an impedance of about 8 ohms so that a 4-
ampere, 60-cycle current will be reduced to 3^ amperes when
it is inserted in circuit.

♦> ♦ ♦
On a 3-phase, 4-wire, 220-volt distribution system should the
neutral be grounded anywhere but at the substation?

Grounding Neutral Wires

Where a mixed light and power system is fed on 3-phase,
open delta, 220-1 10- volts, is it advisable to ground one of the
neutral wires or one of the phase wires? Connection as shown.

Please give reasons. M. K.

3 - Phase 6600 Volt

N/WW1WWWI

: IIOV:

220 V.

Is there any objection to grounding the neutral of a 3-phase,
60-cycle, 220-110 volt bank of 15 k.w. transformers to the same
ground as the primary lightning arrester. E F. (.).

<$> ♦♦» ♦♦♦
To Construct a Rectifier

A correspondent asks if anyone can give him full informa-
tion that will enable him to construct a vibrating rectifier for
charging small storage batteries, similar to those now on the
market.

Answering J. E. M's question on transmission and distribution
in December issue of Electric Age : will say that a transmission
line with arresters spaced 50 miles apart has practically no
protection from lighting and suggest that the line be equipped
with a number of good horn-gap arresters placing them at
points where experience has shown that trouble is likely to
occur.

The approximate charging current for a 46,000-volt, 3-phase,
star connected, 100-mile, No. 1. B. & S. line with grounded neu-
tral wires spread 6 feet apart on 12-inch insulators at 25 cycle
would be nearly 23.63 amperes. The formula used is :

EXCX2llXf

Amperes = X 1.155

2 X ioe

Let C = Capacity in micro farads per mile

E = Line voltage

f = frequency

d = diameter of conductors
and A = distance between conductors and neutral in inches

Calculating for capacity

.0776

2 A

2 log

d .289

= .2022 micro farads per mile.
For 100 miles, capacity is 20.22.
Charging current per phase is

46000 x 20.22 x 2 x 3.14 x 25

2 x io6
40,90&,839.6

= — . = 20.454 amp.

2 x ioa
For 3-phase, charging current is 20,454 x 1.155 = 23.62 amp.
The current is the same for the same voltage whether star

2
or delta connected, being in each case \/~3_> or I-I55 times

the charging current per phase. , E. J. F.

January, 1916

ELECTRICAL

AGE

In answering the question asked in the December issue of
Electrical Age regarding boosters, it is the function of a boost-
er to vary the voltage. Sometimes the booster may boost or
raise the voltage, sometimes do the reverse or lower the voltage.
In the last case it is often called "bucking" the voltage. A
booster may be used on either alternating or direct current.
In the former case the booster usually consists merley of a
static or stationary transformer, although a booster may be a
rotating piece of machinery. In the case of a direct current
booster, the piece of apparatus is always a rotating machine.

The most common type of booster for use on alternating cur-
rent circuits is the transformer, connected as shown in the
sketch. If the ratio of transformation is 10 to 1 the boost voltage
will be ten percent greater than that on the line side of the

10:1 or 20: I Transformer

<s,

L oad

tvi

Alternating Voltage Booster Connections

booster. For example, in the illustration a distributing trans-
former having a ratio of 2200 volts to 220 is connected across
a 2200 volt circuit. Since the secondary voltage, that is the
voltage induced in the secondary winding of the transformer,
is additive to that of .the circuit because the secondary coil of
the transformer is in series with the line, the total voltage on
the booster side of the line is 2200 plus 220 or 2420 volts. By
reversing either coil with respect to the other, that is in other
words reversing the polarity of the transformer the transformer
will buck or lower instead of boosting the voltage. Since with
this arrangement the amount of boost or buck remains constant
according to the ratio of transformation of the booster this ar-
rangement .has been modified so that instead of the ratio being
constant it may be changed. This is done by bringing out taps
which may be cut in or out according to the requirements of the
load. Such a device is known as a step by step regulator. The
induction regulator is simply a modification of this same idea.

The direct current booscer consists of a generator which is
connected in series with the line. This generator is usually
driven by a motor connected to the same shaft. The motor is
connected across the line and the generator in series with the
line. Change of voltage of the generator — this type of booster
permits of variations of the boost or buck voltage — is obtained
by varying the generator field current, motor speed remaining
constant, or by changing the field current in the motor field and
thus its speed, or both of these ways.

Concerning the uses to which a booster may be put. The
most common application of the alternating current booster is
for raising the voltage of a line which is overloaded, or in any
case where higher voltage is desired. In using a distributing
transformer for this purpose it must be remembered that the
secondary winding is raised considerably above its normal
operating potential and thus there is likelihood of its breaking
down. On a pole the chance of its doing this is comparatively
small but where a booster is placed on the ground it is advisable
to insulate the case from earth.

Direct current boosters are used for a greater number of
different applications than is the static booster for alternating
current, because it is more flexible. It is also much more
expensive for the same kilovolt-ampere rating, as well as being
less efficient. Direct current boosters are often installed on lines
where it is desired to maintain constant voltage with changing
load. Sometimes they are installed in the negative return

feeders of railway systems to reduce the drop in them and
thereby reduce the likelihood of electrolysis in water mains,
etc. The most common application of the direct current booster
is for charging storage batteries from constant voltage supply
mains.

It can be seen that the term "boosters" covers many different
things doing several different functions. The one fundamental
object of the booster is, however, to vary the voltage.

K. R.
* * *

One function of a booster is to raise or boost the voltage of
the system above the line voltage in order to charge storage
batteries connected between the lines. Since the voltage of a
fully charged cell is from 2.4 to 2.7 volts, and that of a dis-
charged cell about 2 volts, in order to charge the battery, the
charging voltage must be raised about 35 percent above the
line voltage.

To raise this voltage by means of the generator is objection-
able as this would raise the voltage on the whole system, there-
fore a booster is used.

A booster should be used upon systems where steady voltage
is to be maintained, also on systems where the same generator
is used to furnish both, lights and a fluctuating power load.

■Reversible Booster Connections

Without a booster, every time the load would fluctuate the
lights will flicker on account drop of voltage. With a booster
in the circuit, the lights are not affected by any power fluctua-
tions.

A booster is a dynamo whose armature is in the battery
circuit, its voltage being added to or subtracted from that of
the battery to produce charge or discharge. This action of
the booster may be controlled either automatically or by hand.

Diagram No. 1 shows a reversible booster and No. 2 the
non-reversible.

Fig. 2 — Non-reversible Booster Connections

In both cases the shunt field winding opposes the magnetism
due to the series winding. In the reversible booster, at normal
load, the magnetism due to the shunt winding just neutralizes
that due to the series winding.

There are several different boosters, but these two diagrams
will show the principle of operation. A. T. K.

ELECTRICAL AGE

January, 1916

P@tasaiaa! ©if ^w©mm£^^ ©®im<flm<gt©s'

In the December issue of Electrical Age, U. F. N. inquires
regarding potential of grounded conductor.

In a three phase transmission system the current flows be-
tween one and two, between two and three and between
one and three. If leg three is grounded at A, since
current is flowing between it and both one and two,
a potential indicator will give no deflection if sus-
pended from three unless one or two is grounded as
there will be no circuit formed. The grounded leg may be at
any distance from the indicator and a deflection will be shown
so long as the voltage is sufficient to overcome the resistance
offered by the earth between the ground and the indicator.

These electroscopes are extremely useful for station operators,
construction and wiremen, and for linemen, especially trouble-
shooters. They are sensitive, but on the other hand are rather
delicate and must be handled gently. Since the slogan "Safety
First" has become so popular these little devices have come into
increasing use.

K. R.

Answering the question of "W. S." in December issue of
Electrical Age regarding the advantage of 3-phase, 4-wire trans-
mission system: This combination is rarely or never used as a
transmission system but merely for distribution. The chief
advantage is in that two different voltages are delivered. A
typical connection is shown in the sketch.

This shows three transformers, primaries in delta, secondaries
in star connection, with neutral connecting to fourth wire.

If conductors number two and three are both grounded as at
A and B, an indicator will give a deflection if suspended from
either one, two or three. If suspended from one, the voltage
indicated is the resultant of the voltage through the ground
between one, two and between one and three. If suspended
from two the voltage indicated is not that between two and
three through the earth, as the current will divide and part go
through the indicator and part through the grounded point at
B. The same results will be found if the indicator is suspended
from leg three.

Under the conditions assumed there will be no indication by
a potential indicator. A potential indicator indicates the po-
tential from ground of the object in which it is in contact or to
which it is connected, and has nothing whatsoever to do with
the potential between phases. Under certain circumstances,
however, the presence of one live conductor in close proximity
to a grounded conductor, might influence the potential indi-
cator sufficiently to cause it to indicate. This is not very likely
to occur, however. O. E. H.

The ground for the indicator should always be well made so
its resistance will be as small as possible in order to get good
results.

Potential indicators of the type under discussion are electro-
meters or electroscopes. They require no current for their opera-
tion but utilize the forces of attraction and repulsion between
two electric charges. One common form of potential indicator
often used in stations to indicate when the wires are alive con-
sists of two disks which can rotate between two stationary
disks and which are insulated from each other. With the
conductor on which the indicator hangs dead, the two sets of
disks coincide, but when the conductor is charged the central
disks revolve 90 degrees, and thus permit the station operator
to see that current in on the line.

Another well known form of potential indicator, better known
as electroscope, is that for use of linemen and wiremen. It
consists of a short length of silver foil in a glass tube, which
in turn is fastened in a handle of treated wood. So long as the
conductor is dead the electroscope indicates the fact by making
no movement when brought within three or four inches of
it, but if there is potential on the conductor the strip of silver
foil or leaf immediately stands up. These electroscopes are
very sensitive on voltages above 500 volts, and are usable on
either direct or alternating current. Usually they are made
in two sizes, one for voltage up to about 4,000 volts, the other
for higher voltages. The smaller size is about half inch in
diameter and five inches long, the large size about one and
one-quarter inches diameter and about e'ght inches long.

3 Phase

L 1 n e

±4- Wire
S Distribution

The voltages are 200 volts between each phase wire and 115
volts between each phase wire and the neutral.

A 200 volt 3-phase motor may be connected across the mains
and 115-volt lamps can be connected between the mains and
the neutral.

This neutral is similar to the neutral wire in the Edison three
wire system and carries current only when the lamp load is
unbalanced.

In calculating always use the potential across the mains.

In computing the size of wire proceed as follows :
10.8 X 2d X C

CM = — :

V
CM = Circular mils.
10.8 = Ohms resistance of 1 ft. copper with diameter of

1 mil at 75° Fahr.
2d = Twice the distance one way.
C = Ampere load.
Assume a pump motor drawing 50 amp. located 1,000 ft. away
and 15 volts drop.
Then substituting in our formula we have :
10. 8 X 2,000 X 50

— = 72,000 CM for single phase.

IS
In a three-phase, four-wire system each wire is 16.1 percent of
the number of circular mils for a two-wire system. Therefore
.161 X 72,000 = 11,592 CM, or a No. 9 wire.

A. P. B.
The chief reason for the wide-spread and increasing use of
three-phase, four-wire systems is that with equal voltage at the
lamp and equal losses in the mains, it requires only 29 percent
of the weight of copper of a straight two-wire system. This
is with the neutral at half size of phase wires.

The original objections as to the regulation of the system
have been largely overcome by the installation of improved
regulator in each phase.

W. K.
For further discussion of this question see the August issue,,
—Ed.

January, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

^irsiiasiMiussiiBira audi SM^fiafllbimfcficBsa

In partial answer to J. E. M.'s inquiry in the December issue
of Electrical Age:

For a given locality, the higher voltage for which a trans-
mission line is designed the more immune will it be from
the effects of lightning, although the actual factor of safety of
the insulation may be, and usually is, lower than what it would
be at lower voltages. -

• If when the system under discussion was changed from delta
to star, that is from 46,000 volts to about 80,000 volts (25,600
and 46,000 volts to ground respectively) the insulators were
changed so that their factor of safety for puncture and flash-
over was raised more or less in proportion to the increase in
operating voltage less trouble from lightning is to be expected.
On the other hand if the voltage were raise, but the same insu-
lators were retained in service, more trouble may be looked for
from lightning because the lightning now instead of merely arc-
ing over the insulators or puncturing them will in ail probability
be followed by the dynamic current which may maintain itself
and do more extensive damage as the result of the higher volt-
age behind it. In any case pin type insulators appear to be less
desirable than suspesion type for voltages of 80,000 volts. Pin
type insulators were used for such voltages until the advent of
the suspension type, ince when they are now rarely used above
potential of 50,000 or even 60,000 volts unless the climate is dry
and the altitude low and the lightning comparatively mild.

It is not always known whether the trouble from lightning is
due to puncturing of the insulator or flash-over, but in either
case the suspension type insulator will reduce the trouble. As
steel towers are used there is much greater likelihood of the
pin type insulator puncturing through the pin hole and also of
arcing over.

The exceptionally high altitude at which the transmission line
operates makes it increasingly important that the insulation of
the line have a greater factor of safety than would otherwise
be the case.

The best way to protect a transmission line from the dele-
terious effects of lightning is to insulate it as highly as feasible
and introduce weakness — namely lightning arresters — at fre-
quent intervals. A ground wire is efficacious in protecting a line
against induced charges and accumulations that slowly build
up, but is not of much value against direct strokes. To protect
against direct strokes the use of insulators having high flash-
over and puncture characteristics is the most effective ; and
when used with lightning arresters located at strategic points.
The frequency of lightning discharges is usually so high that
the effect is highly localized and thus if the discharge occurs
far removed from a lightning arrester it simply flashes over or
passes through the insulators, shattering them.

Usually it is found that certain sections of a transmission line
are more susceptable to trouble from lightning than are other
sections, and this may often be foretold by careful survey of
the country, noting the topography, effects of lightning on sur-
grounding objects, etc. At such places special efforts should be
made to afford protection. Sometimes this is done by using a
ground wire above the line passing through these sections, at
other times by installing lightning arresters. In the present
instance it is not thought that the cost of a ground wire is justi-
fied, because it will afford relatively little protection at such
high altitude, and the expense of installing it is considerable.
Installing lightning arresters at judicious locations along the
line appears to offer the best and most satisfactory solution
where moderate cost is an item entering into the problem.
Then, later, if this does not reduce the trouble sufficiently it may
be possible to change the insulators. The lightning arrester
chosen for the purpose must be rugged and capable of giving
protection with relatively small amount of attention and inspec-
tion; it must not cause service interruptions following lightning
nor because of poor voltage regulation of the line ; and it must
be, comparatively speaking, of low cost. The amouHt of atten-

tion required and the cost of the electrolytic type arrester pre-
cludes its use, and there remains therefore the spark gap
utilizing horns and shunted resistance, of which the best known
make is perhaps the S. &i C. arrester. This class of arrester
is essentially an outdoor type, needs no protection nor attention,
and is equally applicable to line protection as to indoor and
outdoor substations.

For the system under consideration it appears that the insu-
lators are unsuited for the work — the high altitude at which
the line operates and "the voltage at this altitude. The cost of
changing the insulators to those of the suspension type would
be high, because not only is it a matter of the cost of insu-
lators but the question of height and clearances of the towers
also enters. Oh the other hand by installing comparatively
inexpensive lightning arresters along the line where the trouble
occurs most frequently service interruptions may be reduced
materially. K. R.

The line in question is in South America. — Ed.

ik T @sft f off Itaed^Plta^e BAot®? Cosutectfioras

After connecting the phase induction motors in the process of
winding, it is often desirable to make some check to indicate
that the connections have been properly made and that the
sequence of phases and poles is correct. A common method
which gives very reliable results is shown in Fig. 1. When
direct current is admitted as shown, a check for polarity with
a compass should show three times the number of poles for
which the motor is wound, evenly spaced and alternating around
the stator. Any other condition, such as a less number of poles
or unequal spacing will indicate an error in the original con-
nections.

To D.C.

FOR A CONNECTION

FOR Y CONNECTION

Fig.

On moderate sized motors, especially those for low speeds,
these phase-poles will be so close together as to make their
exact location difficult, at least without an excessive amount of
direct current.

Fig. 2

By holding a strip of soft iron at least as long as the com-
pass needle, under the compass and pointing radially toward
the center of the space inside the stator as shown in Fig. 2,
the poles can be located with great exactness. These locations
should be marked with chalk on the stator iron to prevent error,
It is obvious that this test is made before the rotor is in
place. M. M. G.

* * *

Similar answers to the Booster query have been received
from E. J. F., S. Y. and M. S.

Answers to three-phase four wire system have been received
from E. J. F. and S. Y.

F. J. Dubai, Ft Madison, la., would like to correspond with
W. S., S. F., and U. F. N., recent contributors to Electrical Age,

ELECTRICAL

AGE

January, 1916

Please advise as to what size feeder is required for operating
the following group of 220-volt, 2-phase induction motors of the
squirrel-cage type on a 4-wire circuit.

ARRANGEMENT OF GROUP

No. Horsepower Distance From 230-

volt generator in feet
2 5 180

1 20 350

2 2 350
2 3 650
1 3 (single phase) 650

all being on the same line. If the distance to the last three
motors is decreased, what is the saving in copper? F. S.

Consulting the manufacturer's statements of the current re-
quired for each motor operating at full load, we find :

Size Motor Amp. per Terminal Amp. per Total Amperes

Group Per Wire

5 hp 13 26

2 hp S 10

20 hp 48 48 84

3 hp 7.5 15 99
Thus the total full load 2-phase current in the first section

will be 99 amperes per phase and the phase carrying the 3-hp
single-phase motor, the total current would be 114 amperes.

Practically it is very improbable that all these motors would
be running at full load at any one time, but the lay-out may be
made under that condition if desired.

By the Underwriters rules the sizes permissable for weather-
proof insulated conductor will be :

For 1st section of, say, 115 amp. — No. 2
For 2nd section of, say, 89 amp. — No. 4
For 3rd section of, say, 30 amp. — No. 10
To find the volts drop, disregarding their inductive, drop for
such short distances, we have :

Section Dist. Amp. Size Ohms per Ohm Volts

100 ft. drop

1st. 186 115 No. 2 .016 .0288 3.31

2nd. 176 89 No. 4 .025 .0119 1.06

3rd. 300 30 No. 10 .1 .3 9.00

Whence voltage on 1st group would equal 227.7
. 2nd group would equal 226.6
3rd group would equal 217.6
This is the theoretical layout for assumed full load operation
If the matter of insurance need not be considered, the practical
layout would be modified and the entire circuit would be run
of either No. 4 wire or No. 6 though in the last case the drop
on the final group would be rather too much for satisfactory
operation at full load. No. 4 for 350 feet and No. 6 for 300
would answer very well. Check up the voltage drops for your-
self and see.

The saving in reducing the distance- to the last two motors
will be, of course, proportional to the size of wire used, mul-
tiplied by 4 times the reduction of distance.

(1) What is the highest voltage that can be said to be
absolutely safe to human life? (2) What is the lowest voltage
known to have killed a horse? (3) Is direct voltage more
dangerous than alternating? A. N.

250 volts is claimed to be absolutely safe to all human beings
in normal health. If one has a weak heart or is otherwise
especially susceptible to electric shock any voltage that can be
felt, applied unexpectedly, might be fatal. The danger of
any shock is dependent on the conductivity of the contact at
the surface of the body. Where the contact is rather poor,
touching conductors of as high as 1,000 or 2,000 volts is some-
times not serious. On the other hand, with good contact a com-
paratively low voltage may prove fatal. The 600 volts used

in ordinary street car systems is occasionally fatal, but often
a momentary contact has no serious effects.

(2) Horses, and indeed all hoofed animals, are much more
susceptible to fatal electric shock than men. Street railway
voltages are almost invariably fatal to them, perhaps on ac-
count of the excellent contact made by the shoes and nails.
As they do not often come in contact with lower voltages we
do not know of any case where they have been killel by any-
thing under 500.

(3) Alternating voltage is supposed to be more dangerous
than direct voltage, and any one who has taken no volts alter-
natingly and then no volts direct will tell you that the latter
is by far the most discomforting. One of the reasons for this
is that with each alternation the peak of the voltage wave is
about 40 percent more than the voltmeter shows, as the instru-
ment only registers the equivalent constant voltage usually
called the root mean square voltage. Thus a 100-volt two-cycle
alternating current reaches 140 volts 60 times a second.

Whether this is more dangerous is not certain, but the infer-
ence would be that it is.

Should the series coils of a compound wound, direct current
generator be used when the machine is run as a motor? If so,
would it not be better to connect the series coils in series with
the shunt coils and run the machine as a plain shunt motor?

W. L. K.

A compound wound generator may be run as a motor without
any charge in connections, and running thus the series coils
would act as a differential and improve the speed regulation.
A differentially wound motor field would probably not help
the commutation any and therefore the best performance of the
machine as a motor would be withjhe series coils disconnected.

In an ordinarily compounded generator the number of turns
in the series coils would not be sufficient to make it worth
while to add them to the shunt field turns.

(1) Please advise me how to rewind a no-volt direct-cur-
rent motor to make it operate satisfactorily on a 220-volt cir-
cuit. (2) The machine is to be used for driving an exhaust
fan. Would the change be simplified by' making it one into a
series wound machine? C. S.

(1) For rewinding the field use wire of one half the size of
the wire you take off, winding the wire to the same depth that
the present coils have. The armature can be wound also with
wire one-half the size of the present wire, or even one size
smaller than that. This will enable you to put in about twice
the present number of turns per coil. (2) The machine could
be more easily reconstructed if changed to series-wound motor.
Tn this case the field winding might be of about the same size
as that now on the armature and the armature winding need
not be changed at all. As the load of a fan varies with the
square of the speed you may find it necessary to insert a
rheostat in series with the motor to control the speed.

How can I approximately determine the safe output of a
small no-volt generator not knowing its rating? A. L.

Approximately it can be done by connecting it up with a
motor or lamp load of known wattage and running the machine
under this load for a couple of hours, noting the rise in tem-
perature by means of a thermometer or two fastened to the
winding. If the rise in temperature after a 2 hours' run doesn't
exceed 75 degrees F. above the surrounding air, the machine
is not overloaded. By repeated trials you can obtain what
output the machine will stand without overheating.

A better way, of course, is to measure the current with an
ammeter and the voltage with a voltmeter and thus know exactly
what load it takes to heat the machine to about "5 after a run
of a couple of hours.

' i ^iuinnniiiiiiiii

Sims&rasss IPffa©ftfi©@ ®mdl M®l£33a©dlg ©g (g@satiff©a Ifttenfttomigp C®2atei©t@5?s asadH ESffinasiSaetmafeiPi

/TL^S

■'''J-/*,

j^ilianagj JsMmbw

fSElf©

Few cities outside of the newest built have anything like the
total number of houses wired for electrical service. In many
Eastern cities the proportion wired is still well under 50 percent.
The wide-awake manager knows that around him in most cases
lies a wealth of undeveloped territory which it is "up to him"
to turn into a revenue producer.

the quarry. Perhaps the talk might have been then stronger
if attention was drawn to the fact that the electric service
offered was probably not merely better and more convenient,
but also cheaper than the oil or gas light being used. Some-
times when a householder' has fallen into a fixed habit as re-
gards his lighting, there is nothing that will hoist him out of
the same so quickly as a demonstration that he is really wasting
money — paying more for less received.

"Busting" the idea that certain things which are, merely be-
cause they have been, are economies, is often the best way in
of the world to crack a shell of routine and let a new proposition
be driven home.

Perhaps the appeal could be made still stronger by calling

attention to the numerous things that electric service will do

that gas and oil will not do — but that's another story, and you

will find it on another page.

♦♦♦ <j» <j»

'©rigim®Bity

An electric company not far from our largest city used the
following original card, inserted in the local paper to stimulate
its new business. The idea is to get the as yet unserved house-
holder or storekeeper to realize that a "river of power,"
veritable river whose channel has been made by the service
company, is flowing past the property.

House Wiring Reposition

When company comes at night, think how cheerful it
would be, if, when you hear their ring, you could turn on
ah electric porch light and usher them into a hall flooded
with the next-to-daylight radiance of EDISON MADZA
LAMPS. And then no pause at the door of a dark
drawing room — the • simple .twitch of a switch being
the magic which kindles a subdued glow in a shaded
electric lamp, while side wall fixtures shed that soft
illumination which is the final touch of gentle living.

Edison Mazda Lamps

Made in U. S. A. and bachad by MAZDA Service

It is tiow possible fbr-you lo enjoy all these comforts and conve-
niences at a third of what electricity formerly cost, because EDISON
MAZDA LAMPS give three times as much light as the old style
lamps with no increase in cost for current. Our modern system
of house wiring is simplicity itself— Inexpensive, Quick, Without
Trouble or Disorder. All wires are concealed.

Telephone or call and we will gladly give you fulf particulars
about our special proposition. Have your house wired before EDISON
DAY— October 21st — the 36th- anniversary of incandescent lighting,

Freeport Ry. & Light Co

Part of Campaign for Unwired Houses

The illustration shows the persuasive way in which one enter-
prising middle Western light and power company went after

A River of Power

Flows Past Your House

Arc you taking advantage of it?

Wire your house, or store, or office for electricitj

Estimates free

Easv payments put this power within the reach of

all

^tM(mre»

SorouG**

Phone 468 1 ompkinsvilllc
Terminal BudJtfig St George

<^\\V\U\I I ; Ulllll///////

^\CHMO/Vo

,^-AiLROAO CO

7//////IU, nrWVwW^V

Original Way of Setting it Forth

This should — and did — start the inquiry in the mind of the
householder as to whether he was living up to the advantages
of the situation. This card proved a great puller when properly
and vigorously followed up.

A- 4&- ^

The Topeka (Kan.) Edison Company has decided to furnish
free electricity for demonstrating purposes at the combined elec-
tric show and midwinter exposition, which is to be held in
Topeka in January. The company's only charge for energy
used at the show will be for that used for general lighting and
decorative purposes.

ELECTRICAL AGE

January. iqi6

W£m]pMmmimm<§ f£lk§ W) owmmtic Wwmws £i<trya©s

The average central station manager, especially those who
have been long in the business, often don't realize that a large
part of the appeal of electric service lies not merely in the
lighting, but also in the domestic power and saving of work.

Mrs. Smith may be well content to get on with gas lighting
while Mrs. Jones across the street has electric light, as for some
reason, she does not realize how much more convenient and sani-
tary the latter is.

One fine day Mrs. J. gets a vacuum cleaner or an iron, or
both. It doesn't take very long for Mrs. S. to note the dif-
ference between the old time sweeping and dusting and up-to-
date electric cleaning. The difference in ironing, too, even with
an unsanitary gas iron is forcibly impressed on Mrs. S. particu-
larly in hot weather.

ELECTRICITY

A Very Few Years

Ago Electricity
Meant Only Light

This in itself was a convenience. Not only
was it convenient, but was safe, clean, cool
and healthful as well. The housewife was
not long in finding out the advantages of
electric light and adapting it in her home.

But Today Electricity

Means A. Great Deal

More Than Light

it also means heat and power and Milady
has again been quick in adapting it to her
household duties.

Electricity S weeps,

Washes and Does

Most Everything

It is Aladdin's Lamp for the house-wife
woman. Just push the butfon— wonders
happen.

Kanawha

Traction and

Electric Co.

These are the features, one of which is emphasized in the ad-
vertisement of a West Virginia company that is reproduced. The
lesson is that it's well enough to advertise electric light to the
milady of the house, but don't forget to, in the language of
the immortal Hodson : "Put the power in, Jordan ! Put the
power in !"

By G. D. Crain, Jr,

In a great many parts of the country, especially in the smaller
cities and towns, regulation of building construction in general
exists either nominally or not at all, and regulation of elec-
trical construction is not in evidence in any way.

In the South, for instance, where the number of large cities in
any one state is very small, compared with conditions in the
more congested sections of the country, one finds that electrical
construction has gone ahead without much attention from the
public authorities, outside of these larger cities, and conse-
quently without much regulation of any kind.

It would be a mistake to assume off-hand that this is a con-
dition which the electrical contractor, or anybody else engaged
in the electrical business, should be gratified with. It is not a
normal nor a healthy condition, and it is not one that is likely
to develop permanent prosperity for the business.

Aside from the fact that the public is entitled to safe con-
struction, it is evident that the contractor who takes advantage
of his opportunities to put in substandard jobs is in a good
position to give the entire industry a bad name. A few fires di-
rectly traced to bad wiring will cause a lot of conservative peo-
ple, especially in the communities where electric service has
only recently become available, to determine in their own minds,
irrespective of the experience of the rest of the country, that
electricity is dangerous, and that they had better go on using
gas or oil for lighting purposes.

Again, the contractor who is doing the work the easiest way,
and taking all the short cuts because there is no representative
of the city standing over him with a club, and no danger of
anybody wearing an inspector's badge coming along and order-
ing him to rip his work out, has an opportunity to save money
the wrong way. Knowing how cheaply he can manage the in-
stallation, he will bid low every time. The result is that un-
regulated conditions of the sort referred to make for poor work-
men and poor business men — and they are bad competition for
good workmen and good business men.

Now, it may be, and probably is true that in a great many
small places it would be out of the question for the town to
establish a building inspection department with a properly
qualified man in charge of electrical construction. The cost of
the work would be out of proportion with the service, because
the amount of building done in that community would not be
great enough to justify the organization that would be involved.
Hence it is hardly practicable to -look to the municipalities
themselves for the solution of this problem of poor electrical
construction.

One of the big interests involved in anything which has to do
with the fire hazard — and a poo£ job of wiring is just about as
mean a hazard as anyone could imagine — is the fire under-
writers. They have a direct interest in better construction, and
in preventing the wrong kind of material from being used and
the wrong kind of installation from being made. They are as
much interested, too, in keeping electrical conditions in Podunk-
ville, where there are only 1,000 people, up to the proper point,
as they are in having everything in this line properly done in
Metropolis, the biggest city in the state, where there is munici-
pal inspection work being done.

For this reason the state inspection bureaus maintained by
the fire insurance companies for the purpose of rating and in-
specting property that is likely to be offered for insurance
against fire have electrical departments, which are charged with
the special work of dealing with electrical construction and the
hazards growing out of it. In the larger cities, which have their
own inspectors, this is a comparatively simple job as co-opera-
tion with the city enables the field to be covered easily, and co-
operation with the contractors enables moot questions to be
taken up and disposed of in the shortest possible time.

January, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

While some of these electrical departments are not com~letely
organized, most of them have enough men to enable them to
get out in the state in the smaller towns, and wrestle with the
contractors in these communities, to the end that the latter's
methods may be improved, and the fire hazard reduced or elim-
inated, making the business safe for the fire insurance com-
panies to write.

One of the purposes of this article is to suggest to the elec-
trical contractor of the small town, as well as elsewhere, that
he give the inspector of the insurance bureau his hearty co-oper-
ation. The latter has no authority of law, and he cannot com-
pel obedience to his mandates, except by reporting to the owner
that the building will not be accepted for insurance purposes
unless wired in such and such a manner. But no matter whether
the inspector has any authority or not, and no matter whether
his club is stuffed or the real thing, it will pay in every way to
co-operate with him.

In the first place he is an expert. Sometimes men get out
on such work who are not, but most of them get into a suit of
of overalls and put in a wiring job with ease and dexterity.
Their purpose usually is to give you the advantage of their
knowledge, by showing you just how the work ought to be done.
A good many mistakes are made not through intention and de-
sire, but simply because the standard provisions are not under-
stood, and the correct method not comprehended. When the
inspector comes around you have a chance to get from him the
meat of the National Code, and to find out just where your
shortcomings are, and where you need to correct the methods
which you have been using.

Few inspectors have any ardent desire to make work for the
electrical men, or to require jobs to be done over unecessarily.
Nevertheless, they are compelled by the nature of their work
to scrutinize a wiring job from the standpoint of its safety
or danger, and if the hazard is excessive, alterations must be
made which will reduce that hazard. And the contractor who
is asked by the inspector to change a piece of work to conform
with the regulations ought to feel that he is simply getting a
valuable bit of experience, that is going to help him in his
work, as he goes along, instead of that he is being imposed on,
and made to revise a job which would have got by, in the
absence of inspection, every time.

Tn this connection, reference was made above to the fact that
the contractors of the large cities usually are able to improve
conditions by co-operating with the inspectors. In many com-
munities this has been worked out in interesting fashion. Once
a month the contractors have a conference with the inspectors,
the latter including both the city and insurance men, and those
whose jobs have not been approved, and who do not understand
the reasons for the action, state their cases. The inspectors
give their reasons, and there is a general discussion, which
leads to everybody present seeing exactly why it was not pos-
sible to pass the job in the form in which it was offered.

The contractors in the small towns, where there is no resi-
dent inspector, miss the benefit of work of this kind, which
can be made exceedingly helpful. On the other hand, whenever
the inspector does get around to look things over, it would be
an excellent idea to get together the members of the trade in the
town, or several adjoining towns, so that the inspector could
state, for their general guidance, rules to be followed in doing
the work, making it, as a were, a kind of round table for the
discussion of electrical construction work, and the standards
which would have to be met.

Many of the best electrical contractors in the country started
under adverse conditions, in small towns, where they lacked the
benefit of supervision, and had to teach themselves by experi-
ence, some of it exceedingly costly. There is hardly a success-
ful man in the business whose early career was under such con-
ditions, who would not admit that it would have been a fine
thing for him if he could have had the co-operation of some in-
spector, who would have pointed out the pitfalls and possibly
prevented the contractor from making some expensive mistakes.

This being the case, there is every reason why the man in
the smaller community, especially if he is just breaking into the
game, should not resent, but rather welcome inspection, and
why he should co-operate with the authorities in every possible
way. It is to his advantage that all of the electrical work in his
town should be put in the right way, and not the wrong way:
the safe way, and not the dangerous way.

Incidentally, the owner pays the cost of every job, and any
additional labor or extra quality material required will simply
make the work that much more expensive, as well as that
much better. There is no opportunity for the contractor to
lose by getting together with the inspection authorities, no
matter where he is located.

IHEticgts'acgiillj ©pdsmttddi M<Mi©ai Sagjsas ©m
llI©Em E)2w<§si Twrnmlk^

A unique method of advertising has been developed by
the American Sugar Refining Co., of New York, utilizing the
large number of trucks their Brooklyn plant operates.

Fifty of these trucks are now equipped and they plan to
have about twenty-five more within about two months.

There are three types of signs. No. 1, illustrated herewith
advertises Crystal Domino Granulated Sugar. This sign has a
revolving disc which illustrates the sugar flowing from the carton
to a bowl.

Electric Sign on Horse-Drawn Truck

Another sign shows the well known "Little Miss Crystal Dom-
ino" emptying a carton of Crystal Domino Sugar tablets into
a sugar bowl. Around this sign is a revolving disc with spiral
colored stripes which give a rainbow effect.

The third sign advertises both granulated and tablet Crystal
Domino Sugar. The picture of the carton of the tablet sugar
appears. Then this picture disappears and the granulated sugar
carton appears in its place.

The mechanism of the signs is driven by a six-volt, ball bear-
ing motor, made by The Robbins & Myers Co., Springfield, Ohio.
The motor runs at 1,000 r.p.m. and takes 10 amperes. A 120
ampere-hour lead battery supplies the current. The usual ar-
rangement is to mount motor and control on the back of the sign.
The battery is supported at the r_ar of the truck under the body.

The batteries are charged each night, twelve batteries being
charged in series across 115 volt mains. Six sets of twelve
charging receptacles are provided, permitting 72 batteries to be
charged at a time.

Four men are employed to maintain the batteries and signs,
two on day and one at night. Considering the distribution ob-
tained, this method of advertising has proven very inexpensive.

ELECTRICAL AGE

January, 1916

lEM®®$ww<& ©gjmtoall W>tmti&m W©&t Card

The Pacific Light & Power Corporation, operating at Los
Angeles, California, and vicinity, has issued an interesting and
effective post card for general distribution, setting forth con-
crete data relating to its extensive electric power system in
Southern California.

One side of the card carries a reproduction of the Big Creek
power station, known as Power House No. I, Cascada, as shown
in the accompanying illustration, and incorporates tabulated
information regarding general operations and extent of activi-
ties; this relates to capacities of steam and hydraulic plants,
total miles of transmission system and territory served, as will
be noted.

11. ttmKi.

•CASCADA-CAL-

te(ic Heart 2i00 feet. Capacity ... . .. t2S89H.fi

A post-card advertisement wrinkle

The reverse or address side of the card gives a map repro-
duction of Southern California, on which is indicated by heavy
lines the company's transmission and main distributing systems>
reaching from the Big Creek district, about 225 miles from Los
Angeles, to the smaller auxiliary stations at Riverside and
Mentone. At a glance the extensive domain covered by the
company is evidenced.

This novel card has been widely distributed by the company
to all parts of the country. It not only carries a comprehensive
suggestion of the operations of the corporation in its territory,
but conveys the broad general message of elctricity to all re-
cipients, and affords the company distinctive publicity at small
cost.

4jj* «£» **+

Electric power is almost entirely used by butchers and gro-
cerymen for grinding bone to be used as chicken feed. Chicken
fanciers and breeders purchase great quantities of meat scrap
and ground bone for winter feeding. Not so many years ago
bones were thrown away or sold in bulk to fertilizer plants.
By installing a small electric motor and a grinder waste bones
can be ground into chicken feed and turned into a profit in-
stead of a loss.

♦$► * ♦♦♦

A large quantity of wolfram, the source of tungsten from
which the filaments of Mazda lamps are made, has been dis-
covered in Siam.

4» $ 4>

During a recent advertising campaign nearly 3,000 electric
flatirons were added to the service in Boston.

The great trouble in getting help when a fire has started is
locating the nearest means of. communication with the fire de-
partment. In this age when nearly every one has a telephone
this is used to call the firemen, there are cases where a phone
is not available or it may be out of order. Then, a great many
fires are seen by passers-by in the street. In order to make the
location of the fire box known to all without the necessity of
locating it in the day time and remembering its location, and
to make its location known to strangers the City of Chicago
adopted the plan of marking the location of the box on the
glob of the nearest street lamp. In the greater part of the city
the poles are as shown and the lamp is mounted about 25 feet
above the street. The method of lettering the globe with "Fire
Box" was adopted only after a trial of several other plans.

To be a success the method used in any case must show at a
considerable distance the reason for the marking. The light
flux must not be distorted so as to cause deep shadows or other
illumination faults. It must not be confuseable with other signal
or patrol lighting. Small lights can not be seen very far and
red is practically the only color that will show in contrast to
any night background without fail. Red is also used quite
universally as indicating danger or trouble and for this reason
is well adapted as a symbol to mark the location of fire pro-
tection apparatus.

•J# I

/ / / /

Chicago Fire Alarm Lamps

In Chicago the big red globes are used by the boulevard sys-
tems to mark corner and turning points for traffic and on this
account could not be used to mark a fire box. The attempt
was made to mark the boxes by a red band around the upper
third of the nearest lamp globe. The consequent flux of distor-
tion and poor color of the light far from the lamps caused this
plan to be abandoned in favor of the letters as shown. These
are red, V2, in. thick and 6 in. high and can be read for many
feet and seen for several blocks. By a little newspaper pub-
licity the boxes are now so well located that little is to be
feared from people not being able tojocate the box. This or a
similar plan should be adopted in every safety first community.
Commercial filler

♦ * ♦

Chattanooga, Tenn., is planning to adopt a new sign ordinance
which will favor electric signs by restricting the use of any
other kind which extend out over the sidewalk. Mayor Littleton
stated at a meeting of the commissioners that "the dynamo of
Dixie," as the city is called, ought to have more electric signs,
so as to live up to its name, and added that a big electric sign
over the city hall would be a means of arousing interest in the
proposition. This matter is now being investigated.

iifflfti

A \J \§> \J\tl JBi mm ^UP

duACui

And H§w to

Use ^Haem

7^£ Names of Manufacturers, not appearing in this Section, will be gladly supplied on Request

The doing of all kinds of abrasing, grinding and polishing
work, in any section of the shop and in practically any posi-
tion, is cheapened and hastened by the new flexible shaft elec-
tric grinder being introduced by the Stow Manufacturing Com-
pany, Binghampton, New York. This tool is designed and built
especially for the steel industry and allied trades. The motor
shaft combination is mounted on a truck making it easily trans-
ported to any part of the shop, eliminating the necessity of tak-
ing the work to the tool, thus saving time and cutting cost.

washers are operated on some modification of the old rubbing
and trailing action of the washboard.

The machine shown is designed after the new vacuum suc-
tion principle. There is one vacuum plunger which is operated
by a crank belted to the motor.

A gas jet burner is mounted directly under the tub and a
fountain of boiling suds and steam from the bottom of the
boiler forces its way upward through the clothes, while the
stroke of the plunger forces it back again.

All parts are made of metal — copper or galvanized aluminum
finish as desired.

Adjustable Flexible Grinder

In the direct current equipment the variation in speed is
secured by means of a plunger in the pole piece which oper-
ates to change the reluctance of the magnetic circuit. No
power is lost in this operation as is the case in most variable
speed motors and the full load efficiency remains practically the
same at all speeds. This speed variation allows for the con-
suming of worn emery wheels down to the minimum, insuring
proper cutting speed regardless of size and giving the highest
efficiency. Another important characteristic of the motor is its
ability to stand sudden over-loads, which it does without
dangerous sparking. The motor is so balanced on the truck
that it may be adjusted to the proper angle for all purposes and
to meet all grinding conditions. The weight of the flexible
shaft is taken off the operator.

The tool is also furnished for alternating current, but motoi
does not regulate to any cycle or phase. It is built in several
sizes according to the capacity of the wheel desired.

♦ * 4»

It is well known that the common hand operated vacuum
cup washing device is a great improvement on the old style
wash-stand. Nearly all of the power driven domestic size

Vacuum Suction Washing Machine

The motor, which is mounted on a plate under the tub, has
a capacity of 1-5 horsepower and operates at 1750 r.p.m. is made
by The Robbins & Myers Co., Springfield, Ohio.

* ♦ *

The almost universal use of automobiles during the winter
period has brought forth conditions which have to be met
before the continuance of winter motoring can be insured. One
of these obstacles is the cold garage. There are thousands of
automobile owners who keep their cars in their own garages
which are, as a rule, quite as cold as the surrounding winter
atmosphere. Most of these who have become "winter fans"
have found that to allow their cars to stand in the garage for
any length of time presages a frozen radiator and a hopelessly
cold engine. To avoid the former evil, the radiator can be

ELECTRICAL AGE

January, 1916

drained, but that means a great amount of work and. trouble;
the latter evil is unavoidable no matter how many rugs are piled
on the radiator.

5""Lpij

.oiDv«ro

0 lit o

^ mi ■ mil _j;

Automobile Engine Warmer

The Western Electric Company, of New York, has put on the
market an electric heater that solves the last winter problem of
the autoist. The heater is 7^/2 inches long, and comes with 10
feet of cord, the plug of which can be attached to any lamp
socket. The heater is simply placed inside the hood of the auto-
mobile and the current turned on. No further attention is
necessary, but cold engines and frozen radiators are entirely
eliminated. The cost of the heater is small and its current con-
sumption low, giving the motorist complete protection against
the worst obstacle to winter motoring.

by a lever outside of the case, can be closed only when the
cover is shut. In addition, the cover can be locked shut or
the switch can be locked open.

The starter can be operated by push buttons located at con-
venient points or by the line switch handle on the right-hand
side of the starter. It is manufactured by the General Electric
Company, Schenectady, N. Y.

A substantial and scientifically designed line of well-venti-
lated porcelain enamel reflector has lately been put on the mar-
ket by a Connecticut manufacturer.

Fig. 1

* *

♦

A new self starter for small direct-current motors in sizes V2.
up to 3-hp, 115 and 230-volts, has been designed for constant
speed, machine tool or similar service where frequent starting
is required. The starter consists of a line switch, line con-
tactor, accelerating contactor and resistance. These units auto-
maticaly regulate the speed of acceleration and open the circuit
in case the voltage falls. Fuses project the motor against over-
load.

Small Motor Starter

The switch is totally enclosed in a cast iron case and is ar-
ranged with certain safety features which protect the operator
from injury. The cover over the switch parts can be opened
only when the line switch is open. The line switch, operated

Fig.

The illustration shows several of the types. No. 1 shows the
larger size of distributing type reflector for all type of high
candle power lamp. No. 2 is the parabolic type side reflector
valued the most of the light in a limited field.

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Nos. 3 and 4 are the bowl type contracting, and the parabolic
angle reflectors.

All this line is made of steel with green baked or porcelain
enamel finished on the oneside and aluminum, white enamel
or porcelain inside finish.

There shades with improved holders are made by the A. A.
Electric Company, Bridgeport, Conn.

* * *

Terminal Cap

A neat and reliable terminal for conduit work has lately been
brought out by one of the well-known makers of electric
specialties. It consists of two galvanized castings, held to-
gether by clamping screws, as shown in the illustration and con-

January, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

tains a two-piece, three-hole molded insulator. It is turned out
in three sizes. The holes in the two smallest insulators are
5-16 in. in diameter and will take three No. 8 rubber-covered
stranded wires. The holes in the largest insulator are 0.5 in.

Conduit Terminal Cap

in diameter and will take three No. 4 rubber-covered stranded
wires. A lock-nut is screwed on the end of the conduit before
placing the terminal in position. The castings of the device,
which is designated as the "Gee Vee" terminal, are galvanized.

**♦ •£♦ ►>

A form of attachment plug, for which superior strength is
claimed, is that shown below, in which after the insulation has
been removed from the terminals, they are thrust through the
plug, as shown in the right-hand view.

Attachment Plugs

The ends of the cord are then soldered to the shell and the
disk at the end of the plug. The maker claims that this method
of connection is considerably more rapid than screwing wires
under binding posts. A saving of time is effected to the ad-
vantage of any manufacturer of electrical devices who installs
"Attacho" plug in preference to higher priced plugs which cost,
in labor of connecting alone, upwards of $10 per thousand.

They also claim a much stronger and more "foolproof" job
than any type of plug involving the use of screw connection.
The device is made by R. S. Mueller, Cleveland, O.

♦ ♦* ♦

The 200-watt gas-filled tungsten lamp when equipped with
an efficient and broadly distributing reflector, gives general
lighting of ample intensity for ordinary manufacturing opera-
tions in a 20 x 20-foot bay, or unit area. This means good
lighting is obtainable for an energy consumption of 0.5 watts
per square foot, which is a material reduction over what is
ordinarily employed in an industrial plant.

A new type of silvered reflector has been developed for use
with this lamp. It is of the "Beehive" type, gives a broad dis-
tribution of light and effectively conceals the lamp from direct
view along the ordinary line of vision and a remarkably uniform
illumination on the working plane. The dual system of corruga-
tions shown on the illustration effectively breaks up the light
from the concentrated filament of the 200-watt lamp, eliminating
images of the filament, streaks and stria in the illuminated field.

"Beehive" Reflector

This reflector may also be used with the 150-watt vacuum lamp.

It is the first of a complete line of industrial reflectors for

all sizes of gas-filled lamps, that is being placed on the market

in the near future.

■•$* ■•$► *$•■

Ktow 5P©lt^fefe laSffiip

A handy portable lamp is the new patent grip type brought
out by the Wallace Novelty Company, of New York. It is
claimed to be the only lamp that can be collapsed and packed
away in a satchel.

Concealed in the base is an automatic spiral clamp spring
by means of which you can hang or clamp it instantly to bed-
rod, dressing table, desk or chair. It is also provided with a
rubber suction cap by which it is attached to a window-pane,
mirror, or other smooth, non-porous surface.

New Portable Lamp

When not in use, the shade and base clamp together as
shown in the accompanying illustration. In the collapsed form it
is conveniently carried and not liable to injury. The rubber
vacuum cup is made so as to be easily removable when its life
is gone so that a fresh one can be attached.

Altogether a very ingenious device that has succeeded in cre-
ating its own demand. It is handsomely finished in nickel
brushed brass and bronze, and is supplied with socket and
cord.

ELECTRICAL AGE

January, 1916

■

5toi

Very often both alternating and direct current is used in the
same building, requiring some distinctive means of differentiat-
ing between the two for certain types of apparatus. This is
very ingeniously done by means of the polarized attachment plugs
shown in the illustration which is being brought out by an en-
terprising manufacturer.

Polarized Plugs

To produce the polarized feature one knife blade contact has
been made smaller than the other in both length and width
and the slot in the base reduced proportionately. As the op-
posite blade is the standard size it cannot be inserted in the
small slot, making it essential that the cap be inserted in the
base one way only — the right way. This assures absolute pol-
arity. This variation in length is also of assistance in making
rapid connection as by rotating the cap the longer blade is
led into the proper slot by the bevel and at the same time the
opposite blade is automatically engaged. The concealed contact
feature, which commends itself to those who desire electrical
safety, is retained in this line of plugs.

MymMj lEDsrntfLii lED^wicg®

An improved device for x-ray dental work is shown in the
accompanying illustration. It has advantage of being simple
and rapid in action, safe for patient and operator and requires

no previous experience in x-ray work on the part of the dentist,
nor any special wiring or dark room.

By its use a great deal of work that has hitherto been largely
by guess on the part of the dentist can now be done with full
assurance. Thus he can determine if he has completely filled
root canals and so unerringly located concealed defects in the
tooth and jaw structures. The apparatus has absolutely no
moving parts.

The use of small low-voltage, secondary transformers for
operating door-bells, door openers, buzzers, annunciators and
all kinds of signalling devices, is constantly growing.

A line of these transformers has been developed by a Western
manufacturer in which some of the smaller units have the active
elements entirely enclosed in a porcelain case which is filled
with insulating compound. These transformers are furnished
in three colors of porcelain, blue, brown and white. They are
very small in size, light in weight and have an extremely pleas-
ing appearance. They take the place of dry batteries. And when
once connected to an alternating current electric light circuit
of the proper voltage and frequency they are practically in-
destructible and will last a lifetime. They are shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

A "heavy-duty" size, adopted to the ringing of large gongs
in schools and factories as shown in Fig. 2. It has a cast iron
case, is of 10 watts capacity and gives 6.12 and 18 volts on the
low-tension side.

Fig. 4

X-Ray Dental Machine

Fig. 3

The sizes shown above are for operating electrical toys. Fig.
3 is of fixed voltage and has a capacity of 50 watts and is
housed in cast iron. Fig. 5, by shifting the lever, gives a range
of from o to 30 volts and a permanent 6-volt tap. The case is
made of beautiful blue glazed porcelain equipped with nickeled
hardware. The body is constructed of an aluminum spinning
with satin finish and the base is made of a malleable spider cast-
ing. These instruments have a> capacity of 125 watts and are
furnished for all commercial frequencies and voltages.

January, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

The instrument illustrated in Figure 5 is adapted to tungsten
sign lighting. The active element is housed in a cast iron case,
treated with two coats of baked enamel. Both primary and
secondary terminal wires are porcelain bushed and weather-
proof. These instruments are furnished for all standard volt-

Fig. s — Transformer for Tungsten Sign Lighting

ages and frequencies and in capacities ranging from 100 watts
to 2500 watts. The prime function of the transformer is to
reduce the pressure from 100 or 220 volts to 11 volts, which
allows the use of the n volts Mazda filament high efficiency
lamp in the electric sign.

JMiMsag] Hfl@©tofl@ Mugaidtg

Since the first spectacular feat of salvaging a boat-load of
barbed wire and nails from a sunken barge on the Mississippi
River by means of a commercial electro-magnet there has been
few changes in their design or capacity.

about 2,600 to 3,000 pounds, but now this is increased to 4,000
and over. This increase in the lifting capacity allows the
handling of more material in the same time or the same amount
in shorter time. It also reduces the number of magnets, cranes
and crane operators needed, since in many cases two of the
new magnets can do the work formerly done by three. The
fewer trips a magnet must make, the fewer times its dead
weight must be lowered, raised and conveyed, to more
efficiently and quickly the material can be handled. Because
of the labor shortage and the demand for speed at the present
time the increased capacities are of particular importance.

The recent record-breaking "wireless" telephone performances,
when the words spoken into a transmitter at the Government
station near Washington were heard simultaneously in Paris and
Hawaii seems to have been made possible by the invention of
audion receiver.

The company bringing out this receiver has developed a
line of moderate range transmitters also which is bringing
radio telephones to a practical commercial basis. They are
made in sizes of from J4 to 5 kilowatts and are dependable for
overload transmission for 85 miles per kilowatt and about twice
as good for over water. With longer and higher antennae these
distances may be doubled.

VI LE Y

Lifting electro-magnets unloading iron

A firm well-known for their development of this devise has
recently announced a new series of magnets of the same rugged
and water-tight construction but having lifting capacities ranging
from 20 to 60 percent greater than before. The lifting capacity,
for instance, of the 62-inch magnet as given up to the present was

Hwafl 3H®<gfeii(S JPlmrnt

Electricity need no longer be classed as a luxury obtainable
only by those living in thickly settled communities reached by
central station circuits. The little generating plant illustrated
here makes it possible for anyone to enjoy the conveniences of
electricity for lighting, heating and power purposes, no matter
how far removed from power lines he may live. They are
useful in country homes, on farms, and in small manufacturing
establishments in rural districts where they furnish power for
lights, for operating fans, vacuum cleaners, sewing machines,
washers, heating appliances, and motors driving pumps and
small farm machinery.

The plant consists of a Westinghouse low-voltage generator
and control panel and an Hyray Exide storage battery all of
which are mounted on a skids, rendering the outfit portable.
The generator may be driven by any ordinary oil, gas, or gasoline
engine or, if the water power is available, it can be used and the
electricity will cost practically nothing.

The operation is simple. The generator is driven by an en-
gine and the current is either usefully expended or else accu-
mulated in the storage battery for use at some future time.
The engine can be run when it is most convenient during the
day and the current stored up for use in the evening. An auto-
matic switch on the control panel maintains a steady voltage
on the battery when charging, and an ampere-hour meter shows
at all times the exact amount of reserve energy in the storage
battery and indicates when to start and stop the charge.

The battery is fully charged when shipped and is ready for
immediate use and the outfits are sold complete without the
engine by the Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Com-
pany, of East Pittsburgh, Pa.

ELECTRICAL AGE

January, 1916

Electric Expansion and Rates in London

The energy sold in London, exclusive of that used for trac-
tion, has increased from 14,206,900 kw.-hr. in 1894 to 334,442,700
kw.-hr. in 1914. The average rate per kilowatt-hour in 1894
was 12 cents, and in 1914 it was 4 cents.

A A A

New Platinum Deposits in Spain
Professor Orueta stated in an address before the Society of
Civil Engineers of Spain that he had discovered in the R'onda
Mountain Range, in Spain, platinum deposits of greater extent
and richness than those of the Ural Mountains, in Russia,
which now furnish about 90 per cent, of the world's supply of
platinum. The metal is now worth over $100 an ounce.
A A *
Sending Radiograms from Automobiles
A report from Stockholm announces that two Swedish army
officers have invented an apparatus with which wireless mes-
sages may be sent from fast-moving automobiles or trains.

A A A

*♦* *♦* *e

Proportional Cost of Electric Drive in Cotton Mills
Complete cost of electrical equipment for textile mills, ac-
cording to J. R. Olnhousen, is about 10 per cent, of the complete
cost of the mill. The annual cost of power is from 4.5 to 5
per cent, of the total cost of manufactured products. Experi-
ence with up-to-date motor drive shows an increased production
over mechanical drive of from 5 to 7.5 per cent.
* a <$►

Steel Tower Wrecked by Sleet Storm

A sleet storm in Winnipeg, Canada, early last month, resulted
in the breaking down of one tower on the lines of the city's
municipal transmission system, about 30 miles from the city,
and caused about 2 miles of wire to be thrown off the towers of
this system. The transmission line of the Winnipeg Electric
Railway Company was broken in two places, but the damage,
which was not serious, was repaired in a short time. The
weather conditions were exceptional for that region, the sleet
being of such thickness on the wires that the over-all diameter
exceeded 2l/2 in. The insulators are of the pin type and the
wires spaced on 6-ft. centers, there being six conductors per
tower. The damage to the municipal system was such as to
take twenty-three hours to repair it and place it in service.

A. ^ A

A Lead-Eating Beetle

The discovery of a bug which bores holes in lead-covered
cable has been recently reported by Albert Schuler, of the Home
Telephone Cimpany, of Santa Barabara, Cal. This trouble-maker
is said to be a slender black beetle with hard wings about % in.
long and equipped with two small scoops at its mouth which it ef-
fectively uses in boring holes in cables. The family name of
this beetle is said to be Sinoxylon declive.

A *+«■ A

Employee's Benefit Expenditures
In the last year there were 20,915 cases on which the relief
fund of the Bell Telephone system expended $1,481,402, accord-
ing to John S. Kennedy, secretary of the benefit committee of
the Eastern section of the system. During the same period
there were 231 deaths, as a result of which dependent relatives
received $228,296. Female employees furnished 71 percent of
th sickness cases, while the greatest number of accident cases
occurred among the male employees.

A A A

Data on Cost of Electric Heating

Electric heating has been seriously tried in a great many
places in Norway, and reports made by a royal commission in-
dicate that a pleasant, even temperature is possible with an
expenditure of from 30 watts to 35 watts per cubic meter of
space — 35 cu. ft. This will keep the temperature of a room at
64 deg. Fahr. with auxiliary heating when the thermometer
registers as low as from 10 deg. to 5 deg. Fahr. Under these
circumstances .electric heating is assumed to be cheaper than

other fuel when the energy can be supplied at $7 to $8.25 per
horsepower per annum on maximum demand.

A A A

Cost of Developing Norwegian Waterfalls
A royal commission has collected a great deal of information
bearing upon the waterfalls of Norway. Its report fills 267
pages and states the height of falls, whether the fall in question
is owned by the municipality, its capacity at low water and after
storing the water, whether exploited, and if so, what the rated
capacity is, and what is the cost of installation, all told and
per horsepower. The cost of installation per horsepower varies
to an almost amazing extent. Some small power stations cost as
little as from $11 to $15 per horsepower, while another with a
rating of 250 hp. costs in the neighborhood of $280 per trans-
mitted horsepower. On the other hand, a 2,700-hp. plant costs
approximately $32 per horsepower, while seventeen power plants
were laid down at approximately $29.50 per horsepower. The
Bergen electric station, having a rating at present of 7,000 hp.,
cost $81 per horsepower, while the full exploitation of the
available 20,000 hp. will bring the cost down to $39 per horse-
power.

* * ♦

Electrolytic Iron Factor Design of Magnetic Circuit
Pure iron has now been produced electrolytically on a com-
mercial scale. There are great possibilities in the use of such
iron, not only the manufacture of thin tubing, but for rolling
thin sheets. It may possibly be useful for magnet and power
transmission service. In fact there are indications that the de-
sign of light-weight generators and motors for vehicle and sim-
ilar purposes may obtain some valuable results. Some of this iron
has a magnetic resistance of from one-eighth to one-tenth that
of ordinary magnetic iron.

Consumers Not Required to Purchase All Power Used From
One Company

An interesting and important decision regarding a proposed
restriction that all electric power used by a consumer should be
obtained from a single company has been recently handed down
by the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme
Court. In the case at issue, it was set forth that plans were
formulated by the tenant of a building to obtain electric power
from the owner of the building during the day and from elec-
tric company at night. The company refused to render this
latter service on the ground that it was not obliged to do so
unless the consumer purchased all the electric energy required
from its system, and in such contention was upheld by the Public
Service Commission. In reversing this ruling the Appellate
Court decides that a requirement in the contract furnished by
an electric company to its consumers that the customer must
obain all he electric power he uses from such company is not
a reasonable regulation, stating as follows :

It is, of course, the rule that such a company may establish
reasonable regulations respecting the use of the service which
it proposes to furnish, and each customer requiring the service
is called upon to comply with such regulations. In our opinion,
however, the requirement that a consumer must take all of his
electric energy from one company or receive none at all is not in
any proper sense a regulation respecting the use of the service,
but is a purely arbitrary attempt on the part of the company
to insure itself a monopoly of furnishing electrical current.

A A A

V *JT V

In a suit brought by the Wallace Novelty Company, Inc.,
against H. C. F. Koch & Company, Inc., of New York City, for
infringement of patents covering the portable electric lamps,
known as the Wallace Lamps, the United States Court for the
Southern District of New York has held that these patents are
valid and were infringed by the defendant. This is the third
time that the United States Courts have sustained these patents.

llillliPK'H'!!1!

„,,,,:.,

■ffl&ABg lyri^l^Wlftlsi

& l&©^fi®w of ttSae 3Laft«stt PmMii«gsitfu®ffii§

An adjustable, portable, electric lamp and various other lamp
and shades, the product of the Wallace Novelty Company, of
New York, are well. set forth in three folders, "Why? Because,"
"The First and the Best" and "Accessories."

A 4$» *

A large variety of apparatus for the measuring of low re-
sistances and conductivities, including the well-known standard
resistance and bridges of Leeds & Northrup Company, Phila-
delphia, Pa., is covered by catalog No. 40.
♦$►♦$►♦*+

Poles in stock for the demands of the winter season, form the
subject of a folder from the Naugle Pole & Tie Company,
Chicago, 111.

* ♦ ♦>

Graphic Recording Meters of the latest improved type are the
subject of Bulletin No. 365 of the Esterlinc Company, of Indian-
apolis, Ind. The fine points of this line of moderate priced
recorders are brought out in this publication which is beauti-
fully finished.

♦> <♦ *

"Seeing Things in the Right Light" is the title of a folder
on factory lighting, just issued by Harvey Hubbel, Inc., Bridge-
port, Conn. Well-gotten up half tones of up-to-date factory
lighting give point to title. The folder also describes various
Hubbel reflectors.

* * a

A Useful Wall Hanger showing conduit charts as adopted
and recommended by the National Electrical Contractors As-
sociation, is being distributed by the National Metal Molding
Co., Pittsburg, Pa. It shows the sizes of conduits required for
various sizes of conductors by the National Electric Code, and
is sent on request.

* ♦ ♦?►

Modern Improved Motor Cables for power, lighting and
ignition service on motor boats, motor cycles, aeroplane and
stationary gas engines, are the subject of Bulletin No. 540-1
of the Standard Underground Cable Co., Pittsburg, Pa. Colored
illustrations add interest to the description of the various styles
of cable shown.

Reflectolyte Fixtures for Indirect Lighting; the latest de-
velopment of this well known line are described in a violet-
covered pamplet, Catalog No. 2, sent out by Frank Adam
Electric Co., St. Louis. A great deal of useful illumination data
and curves is included.

A blue and white folder covering its small motor output ; a
leaflet on small portable test meter, mainly for automobile
service; and leaflets, Nos. 3742-H and 3859 devoted respectively
to motor-generator sets "from 2 to 200 kw. capacity and mine
suspensions and clamps," form the latest literary output of
Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company, East Pitts-
burg, Penna.

a A a

A folder showing new designs in tandem boxes for exposed
conduit or metal molding work comes from the Fancleave
Specialty Company, Jamaica Plains, Mass., U. S. A.

The 1916 Catalog of the Bryant Electric Company, Bridgeport,
Conn., said to be the largest one on wiring devices ever issued,
is being distributed. It is very handsomely gotten up, contain-
ing about 160 pages of abundantly illustrated information about
tbe company's output.

A A A

V" *4-» ♦,,♦

High-Voltage Horngap Switches are the subject of an illus-
trated folder published by the Railway & Industrial Engineer-
ing Company, Pittsburg, Penna.

Up-to-date Boiler Room Practice is the subject of a paper
entitled "Establishing and Maintaining Boiler Room Economy"
read by G. H. Gibson before the Ohio Society of Steam, Elec-
trical and Mechanical Enterprises, reprints of which have been
issued by the Harrison Safety Boiler Works, of Philadelphia,
Penna.

* A A

From Allis-Chalmer Manufacturing Company, Milwaukee,
Wis., comes Bulletin No. 1075-A on belted alternating-current
generators, types AB and AH. The former type is made only
in sizes up to 200 kilovolt-amperes and is of self-contained or
bracket-bearing construction, especially adapted for high-speed
machines. The type AH alternators are of the pedestal-bearing
class and are built standard for ratings up to 625 kilovolt-
amperes or still larger. The general construction of these ma-
chines is described.

A booklet on suspension insulators has been issued by R.
Thomas & Sons Company, East Liverpool, Ohio. Their new
insulator No. 1141 is of improved design and incorporates many
features, giving added safety in long-distance high-tension
power transmission. Sectional and perspective illustrations are
shown.

Inventions and Patents, by Philip E. Elderman, who has
made a reputation for himself as a writer on wireless subjects,
is a work that any inventor, or in fact, anyone interested in
our patent system will find a good investment. As is well
known, thousands of inventors who have brought their idea up
to the point of patentability, go on the rocks in getting it prop-
erly patented. The advise and information given in this book,
if acted upon, will prevent this.

The writer gives a sketch of the evolution of the patent
system and an interesting history of the Patent Office. He also
defines the functions and duty of the patent attorney.

Chapters on "The Terms of Invention," "The Field of In-
vention," "Patentability and Practicability" are packed full
of meaty information. The points brought out relative to the
structure and nature of patent specifications and claims ; on
protecting on invention and disposing of patent rights and the
"Thoughts on Invention and Inventors" are valuable contribu-
tions to the none too abundant literature on this subject.

The appendix of 70 pages contains hundreds of digests and
abridgements from important legal decisions in patent cases as
well as charts for draftsmen and models for drawing up the
legal forms involved in getting a patent. Size, 5 by 8 inches,
288 pages. Price, $1.50 net. Technical Journal Company, Inc.,
233 Broadway, New York.

:■■;■ ■■'l!l

11
f i

i. J

Review of the

onth

A C®miifet© li©e®fcl ®f lis,' '•.-«'• i5mt Kfewsi H! .c r ■ • ! . - - • i sw Mm^'M • '

"Self-advancement" was the title of an address by Dougless
Burnett, commercial manager of the Consolidated Gas, Elec-
tric Light and Power Company, of Baltimore, at the November
meeting of the Philadelphia Electric Company section of the
N. E. L. E. The meeting of the Commercial Department Branch
was addressed by E. S. Pelling on the subject ''Sign Leads,"
and R. L. Lloyd, on "Charging Sets" and "Refrigeration."
Robert J. Milligan, addressed the Engineering Branch at its
December meeting on "The Electrical Design of Our Stations."

The New York Section of the Illuminating Engineering So-
ciety held it's monthly meeting on December 8th. The subjects
taken up were : "Outdoor Illumination of Store Fronts" by
Charles Hodgson, Brooklyn Union Gas Company; and "Resi-
dence Lighting by Gas," by M. A. Combs, of the Consolidated
Gas Company, New York.

»> *♦* »»*

The meeting of the Philadelphia Section of the Illuminating
Engineering Society, on December 17th, was addressed by Dr.
Charles P. Steinmetz on the subject of ■'Illuminating Engin-
eering." The meeting was held jointly with the Engineers'
Club.

* * *

The Pittsburg Section of the Illuminating Engineering So-
ciety, at its meeting on December 17th, listened to a talk on
"Design of Illuminating Glassware" by S. G. Hibben.
♦^ ♦+* ♦+♦

It is announced that the next Executive Committee meeting
of the National Electrical Contractors' Association will be
held at Richmond, Va., on February 7 and 8.

*4f V V

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers held its
annual convention in New York City, December 7-10. The
registered attendance was 1210. Officers elected to serve for
the ensuing year are: Dr. D. S. Jacobs, president; George W.
Dickie, Henry Hess, James E. Sague, W. B. Jackson, J. S.
Bancroft, Julian Kennedy, vice-presidents; William H. Wiley,
treasurer; Calvin W. Rice, secretary. Managers: A. M.
Greene, Jr., John Hunter, Elliott H. Whitlock, Chas. T. Main,
Spencer Miller, Max Toltz, John H. Barr, J. A Stevens, and
H. De B. Parsons.

>}♦ +t+ ♦?♦

The National Independent Telephone Association, and the
Independent Telephone Association of America, long time rivals,
have united forces. At a meeting held in Chicago, December
8, 9 and 10 it was decided to unite the enrolled members of
both associations under the name of the United States Inde-
pendent Telephone Association. The following officers were
elected : President, C. Y. McV'ey, Cleveland ; first vice-president,
W. H. Bryant, Mobile; second vice-president, G. W. Robinson,
St. Paul; third vice-president, F. B. MacKinnon, Washington;
secretary-treasurer, W. S. Vivian, Chicago.

*> <* ♦
The Western Association of Electrical Inspectors, it is an-
nounced, will hold their eleventh annual meeting at the Hotel
Sherman, Chicago, January 25, 26 and 27. The program, which
has been arranged, contains many interesting papers, among

which are, "The Electrical Safety Code," by Dr. E. B. Rosa,
of the Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C. ; "The Legal
and Ethical Responsibility of the Electrical Inspector," by Leon
Hornstein, assistant corporation counsel for the city of Chicago ;
"Fuses, the Electrical Safety Valves," by Prof. H. E. Clifford, of
Harvard University.

The American Institute of Electrical Engineers, at an executive
meeting held recently, decided to hold the usual midwinter con-
vention in New York City on February 8 and 9. Tentative plans
were also made for a Pacific Coast convention, to be held in
Seattle, in 1916, under the auspices of the Seattle Section of the
Institute.

M. Luckiesh, of Cleveland, spoke on "School Lighting" before
the December meeting of the Chicago Section of the Illuminat-
ing Engineering Society. In the course of his talk he laid
down a tentative code for the daylight and artificial illumina-
tion of all school buildings.

* * *

The following officers were elected by the Winnipeg Jovian
League, at a recent meeting: President, J. F. S. Madden; vice-
president, E. H. Smith; secretary, Wm. H. Reynolds.

* * *

The New York Electric Vehicle Association recently an-
nounced the winners of the two silver cups offered by Arthur
Williams for the best selling records in the two month's cam-
paign of the Ward Motor Vehicle Company, in marketing its
new 750 pound electric delivery wagon. The cups were offered
to incite friendly competition among the salesmen of the various
lighting companies. The first cup, which is the team prize, was
won by the New York team comprised of central station sales-
men of Greater New York. The New Jersey team came in
scond. The second cup, which is the individual prize, goes to
Edward Friend, a salesman in the Harlem, office of The New
York Edison Company, for the greatest number of cars sold
by one man. Henry S. Reilly and H. J. Gamier received hon-
orable mention.

The American Gas & Electric Company, of New York, has
started construction, through a subsidiary organization, of a
$2,500,000 steam-electric plant on the Ohio River, near Wells-
burg, West Virginia. It is announced that the initial installa-
tion will be 60,000 K. W., with provision for ultimate develop-
ment of 180,000 KW. The Foundation Company, of New York,
is in charge of the construction, and Sargent & Lundy, of
Chicago, are the engineers. The plant, it is expected, will fur-
nish electricity for light and power to cities within a radius of
60 miles of Wheeling, including Canton and Newark, Oho.
>+♦ ♦♦♦ ♦+♦

The Waynesboro Electric Light Company, of Waynesboro,
Miss., on petition of its general manager, J. A. Leggett, has
been placed in the hands of a receiver. The plant is practically
new, having been erected in the early part of 1914.
* * *

It was announced recently that permission had been granted
the Light Development Company to erect electric wires in the
west end of St. Louis. The company purposes to sell electricity

January, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

to resident consumers at a maximum rate of SJA cents, in com-
petition with the Union Electric Light and Power Company,
which has a maximum rate of 9 cents.

+ * *
The Adirondack Electric Power Corporation, of Albany, N.
Y., has filed a statement, showing net earnings for the 10
months to October 31, of $438,278, and surplus of $226,929
against $109,020 in T914.

a A A

The Consumers Power Company, whose principal office is at
Portland, Maine, has purchased the holdings of the Au Sable
Electric Company, .of Jackson, Michigan, which operates many
transmission lines in lower Michigan.
* * *

The Maine Public Utilities Commission has granted the peti-
tion of the Ceneral Maine Power Company, asking for authority
to purchase the capital stock of the Bath and Brunswick Light
and Power Company, and also the petition asking for authority
to issue $275,000 bonds.

The St. Joseph Railway, Light, Heat and Power Company, of
St. Joseph, Missouri, has announced that they will reduce their
rates for electricity on January 1st, and that under the new
schedule their customers will save between $15,000 and $20,000
over the present rates.

a a a

The Kentucky River Power Company has completed surveys
and all preliminary work in connection with the large power
plant which it will erect near Hazard, Ky. It is planned to
install initial equipment aggregating 2,000 H. P.

a a a
*»■*■ +# <p

The Dayton Power and Light Company, of Dayton, Ohio, has
purchased the plant of the Miami Light, Heat and Power Com-
pany, ef Piqua, Ohio.

A A A

The Union Electric Company, of St. Louis, Mo., has made a

reduction in electric rates for residence lighting from 10 cents

per k.w.h. to 9 cents. It is also stated that the company will

reduce its rate to 8 cents, as soon as the increased number of

consumers warrants.

a a A

The statement of the Northern Texas Electric Company, for
the twelve months ending October 31, shows net earnings of
$692,522, and surplus of $362,403.

A A A

The Galveston-Houston Electric Company, of Texas, has
filed a statement for the twelve months ending October 31st,
showing net earnings of $792,476, and surplus of $359,514, a
decrease of $307,993 from the surplus for the same period last
year.

A A. A

The affairs of the old Northern Colorado Power Company
have been cleared up to the satisfaction of both the bondholders
and the stockholders of that concern through the sale of $2,100,-
000 of 5 per cent, first mortgage bonds of the Western Light
and Power Company to a New York syndicate headed by Wil-
liam Morris Imbrie & Co.

which means a saving to the citizens of Beverly of about
$8,000 per year.

AAA

Cathay Development Corporation has been incorporated at
Portland, Maine ; purpose given is to conduct electrical industrial
enterprises of all kinds, general lighting, heating, power, rail-
way, telephone and telegraph business. The capital stock is
$1,000,000.

AAA

The Day Electric Corporation, of New York, has increased
its capital stock from $20,000 to $200,000.

AAA

The Potomac Electric Power Company has reduced the light
rates in the city of Washington, D. C, to 10 cents per kw. for
the first ten hours, with a charge of 3 cents per kw. for excess
current. The former rates were 10 cents per kw. for the first
120 hours, with an excess charge of 5 cents.

A A A

Clarence H Geist, of Philadelphia, president of the Northern
Indiana Gas and Electric Company, has purchased the holdings
of the Indiana Lighting Company, which supplies power, light,
gas and water to twenty Indiana cities.

The Tennessee Power Company has started work on their
new hydro-electric development at Great Falls, on the Caney
Fork river, about two miles from Rock Island, Tenn. It is
estimated that the work will cost somewhere in the neighbor-
hood of half a million dollars.

A A A

In connection with the development of power for the proposed
hydro-radial lines to be built by the Provincial Hydro Com-
mission, of Canada, in connection with the $10,000,000 diversion
of Chippewa Creek, plans are now being made to take over the
entire plant of the Dominion Power and Transportation and
the Cataract companies, at a cost of $12,000,000. The object
of the plan is to secure control of the big generating plant at
Decews Falls, near St. Catharines. It is also said that the in-
terests of the powerful Mackenzie-Mann syndicate will be pur-
chased about the Falls.

* * a

The Great Western Power Company, of California, organized
on November 23 to acquire the properties and securities of a
part or all of the corporation known as the Great Western
system, has applied to the California Railroad Commission for
permission to issue capital stock to the amount of $27,498,600,
which is to be exchanged for a like number of shares of stock
of the Great Western Power Company. Permission is also
asked to issue and sell to the Great Western Power Company
all or any part of $5,000,000 face value of its ten-year, 6 per
cent, convertible gold debentures at 91 per cent, of the face
amount and accrued interest.

♦♦♦ ♦♦* A

The Buffalo General Electric Company has awarded the con-
tract to Walker & Stone for the erection of the immense power
plant on the river front in the town of Tonawanda, N. Y. The
plant will cost $1,500,000 and will develop 200,000 H. P., steam
power being used.

The town of Hull, Mass., has voted to abandon the present
municipal lighting plant, and to buy electricity for illumination
purposes. It is believed that the Weymouth Electric Lighting
Company will receive the contract.

V V V

The Central Maine Power Company has asked permission
of the Public Utilities Commission of that State to take over
the properties of the Greenville Light and Power Company, of
Greenville, Maine, and the Penobscot Bay Electric Company,
of Belfast, Maine.

* *> *

It is reported that the Beverly Gas and Electric Company,
of Beverly, Mass., has reduced its rate to 10 cents per kilowatt,

The name of the Fort Wayne Electric Works, owned by the
General Electric Company, effective the first of the new year, will
be changed to the General Electric Company, Fort Wayne Works,
All credit and collection work for the Fort Wayne institution will
be transferred to the Schenectady offices.

On January 1st, 1916, the name Holophane Works, of General
Electric Co. was changed to Ivanhoe-Regent Works of General
Electric Company. This change was made necessary by the
expiration, on that date, of the contract through which the
General Electric Company possessed exclusive right to manu-
facture and sell Holophane prismatic glass. The General
Electric Company will continue to manufacture and sell Regent

ELECTRICAL AGE

January, 1916

glass and Ivanhoe metal reflectors ; and although its right to
handle Holophane prismatic is no longer an exclusive one, it
will continue to furnish this line also. In its organization the
Ivanhoe-Regent Works of General Electric Company is in
every respect the same as that hitherto known by the name of
Holophane Works of General Electric Company.
♦♦♦ a ♦♦♦

The Consumers Power Company has acquired the property
of the Dell Rapids Light & Power Company, Dell Rapids,
South Dakota, and is now operating it as a portion of the
Sioux Falls Division of the company.
*X* »♦* ♦♦♦

The Morse Chain Company, Ithaca, N. Y., manufacturers
of silent chains for power transmission, have appointed G. W.
Pritchett, as their representative in the territory including
North and South Carolina, with headquarters at 805 Ashboro
street, Greensboro, N. C.

The Stone and Webster Engineering Corporation is erecting
an extension to the Lowellville Power Station, at Youngstown,
Ohio, for the Republic Railway and Light Company. The new
station will develop 15,000 kw., doubling the capacity of the
plant.

»♦♦ A *♦♦

V V V

The Railway & Industrial Engineering Co., the manufacturers
of Burke Horn Gap Switching & Protective Apparatus and
Out-Door Sub-Stations, have moved their sales office to the
Peoples Bank Building in Pittsburgh.

A. N. Ross, formerly New England representative of Pass &
Seymour, Inc., and Geo. H. Brown, formerly with Belcher &
Loomis, have established an electrical jobbing business in
Springfield, Mass., under the firm name of Brown & Ross, Inc.
a, a a
The San Francisco office of the Robbins & Myers Co., which
is in charge of C. R. Hunt, has been moved to 701-702 Rialto
Building.

a a a

Kelly, Cooke & Co. have recently opened offices in the Drexel
Building, Pa., to conduct a general engineering practice in the
public utility and industrial fields. William F. Kelly, senior
member, was a member of the staff of Ford, Bacon & Davis for
the past nine years, acting as engineer in charge of several of
their larger operations. Charles B. Cooke, Jr., was also con-
nected with Ford, Bacon & Davis, specializing on financial en-
gineering reports, and rate developments and reports for public
utility companies.

A A A

The action brought in 1912 against the City of New York
by the Edison Electric Illuminating Company of Brooklyn,
and the Amsterdam Electric Light, Heat and Power Company,
to restrain the city from declaring -void the franchise upon
which the Amsterdam company was doing business, has finally
been concluded. De Lancey Nicoll, referee, has filed a report
in the Supreme Court recommending that the Amsterdam
company receive an injunction. The Edison company, as the
holding company of the Amsterdam, is found to be not entitled
to the injunction.

*«* *** *♦"

The state of Wisconsin has commenced an action against the

Milwaukee Electric Railway and Light Company for penalties

aggregating $1,860,000, charging violations of an order of the

railroad commission of that state, issued December 25, 1913,

fixing standards for street railway service in Milwaukee.

a a a
v *♦* v

The DePere Electric Light and Power Company, of DePer.e,

Wis., has adopted a new schedule of rates, effective February

1st, showing, a minimum rate of 80 cents per month, or 75 cents

if paid on or before the loth of the month. The charge of 25

cents per month for meter rental is discontinued.

Frederick W. Ballard, formerly commissioner of light, heat
and power for Cleveland, Ohio, has resigned his position there
and will go to Philadelphia, where he has been retained as
expert electrical engineer in making a new appraisement of the
Philadelphia Electric Company.

J. S. Pevear, of the United Gas and Electric Engineering
Corporation, of New York, has taken active charge of the Birm-
ingham (Alabama), Railway, Light and Power Company, as
president The Birmingham company is a subsidiary of the
American Cities Company.

A. . A A^

E. G. Connette, president of the International Railway Com-
pany, of Buffalo, N. Y., has been elected vice-president of the
United Gas and Electric Corporation, and president of the
United Gas and Electric Engineering Corporation.
*$* ♦$•■ *$*■

J. W. Worthington, of Sheffield, Ala., has been withdrawn
from active detail work for the Alabama Power Company, and
has gone to Washington, where he will join in the work of
promoting the Muscle Shoals power project, as representative
of the Muscle Shoals Power Company, which is owned by the
Alabama Power Company.

A A A

E. P. Steen has resigned as manager of the electric light plant
in Broken Bow, Nebr., and succeeds F. H. Brooks as manager
of the Red Oak Electric Company, Red Oak, Iowa.
♦ * *

V. S. Hillyer, formerly superintendent of the Carquette Co.
(Mich.) road commission, has resigned to accept a position with
the Wisconsin and Minnesota Light and Power Company.

A A ♦*♦

A. D. Furlong has resigned as manager of the Saginaw and
Bay City Railway, Gas and Electric Company, being succeeded
by John A. Cleveland, vice-president of the company.
■*$*■ ■*$*■ ■•$*

William Claflin Andrews, advertising manager of the Edison
Storage Battery Co., Orange, N. J., died in New York City on
December 21st. He was for two years secretary of the Rae
Company, New York City, leaving to join the Edison Storage
Battery Company in April, 1913, where he was advertising man-
ager until his death. Mr. Andrews enjoyed an unusually large
acquaintance among electrical men, and was particularly active
in the Electric Vehicle Association of America and in the
Jovian League, of which he was Statesman-at-large for New

Jersey.

A A *

William Andrew Conner, . of Plainfield, N. J., vice-president
of the Standard Underground Cable Co., died suddenly Monday,
December 6th, at his office in Perth 'Amboy, N. J. Mr. Conner
was born in Baltimore, September 12, 1859. In 1885 he took
charge of the first plant built by the Standard Underground Cable
Co. in Pittsburgh, and from then to the time of his death he
was head of the manufacturing business of that company, in-
cluding large plants planned and built by him in Pittsburgh,
Pa. ; Perth Amboy, N. J. ; Oakland, Cal. ; .and Hamilton, Can-
ada. He was a director for 10 years and first vice-president
since 1909.

* * ♦

James I. Ayer, former president of the National Electric
Light Association, and manager in Cambridge, Mass., of the
Simplex Electric Heating Company, died suddenly on November
26th, at the age of sixty-two.

A A A

V V V

Lawrence McNeil, president of the Savannah Lighting Com-
pany, died late in November, at his home in Savannah, Georgia,
aged sixty-six.

Illllllllllllllllliillllllllllllll!

pgasnig© ©

ALABAMA

Birmingham. — Martin J. Lide, Consulting Engineer, of this
city, is desirous of obtaining two direct connected 250 to 275-
volt D.'C. units, preferably 75 K.W. each.

Florence. — Lauderdale Power Company, Jefferson Building,
this city, want data and prices on electrical equipment, con-
struction materials, etc., for $130,000 hydro-electric plant.

Georgiana. — McGowin-Bennett Milling Co., W. M. McGowin,
Pres., will establish electric plant ; 3 mi. transmission ; develop
100 hp; cost $10,000; J. H. Berry, Contr.

Moulton. — Moulton Water-works contemplate establishment of
electric plant.

New Decatur. — City will install electric light and power plant.

ARKANSAS

Booneville. — Booneville Light & Power Company; capital
$50,000; incorporated by C. S. Greenway, Robin Harvey, R. M.
Harvey.

Dodd City.— Bear Hill Mining Company, T. H. Braley, Mgr.,
wants prices on electric light equipment.

Hartford. — City contemplates constructing electric-light plant.

Ozark. — Ozark Light & Power Company will operate the
electric light plant here which they recently purchased. They
will make some additions and improvements in the equipment.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Washington. — Christmas Aeroplane Co., 1617 Hobart St. N.
W., wants various motor-driven woodworking machinery, also
D.C. 150 kw. generator unit.

Washington. — Potomac Electric Power Co., of this city, is to
erect a 2-story brick shop on 14th Street ; estimated cost $3,500.

FLORIDA

Jacksonville.— Eagle Film Manufacturing and Producing Co.,
of Chicago, will construct an electric light plant here.

Lake Worth. — City is to issue $15,000 bonds for electric light
plant.

Okeechobee. — City is to issue $50,000 bonds for electric light
and water plant. Southern Utilities Co., Jacksonville, is pre-
paring plans.

Orange Springs. — -Florida Farms and Homes. Jas. R. Murphy,
Pres., Palatka, Fla., will install electric light plant here.

Tampa. — Raima Ceia Golf Association, care T. E. Bryan, Pres.
of Tampa Auto and Golf Club, plans construction of electric-
lighting system in connection with land development.

GEORGIA

Coolidge. — City is installing electric light system, to include
3 mi. transmission.

ILLINOIS

Arlington. — Arlington Electric Company has been incorporated
here with a capital stock of $10,000 by A. B. Harris, F. E. Cot-

INL'TANA

Elkhart. — City contemplates installation of new lighting sys-
tem.

Gary. — Lighthouse Electric Company has been incorporated
her ewith a capital stock of $10,000 by A. B. Harris, F. E. Cot-
tingham, W. P. Cottingham.

Goshen. — The Hawks Electric Company, of this city, has in-
creased its common stock from $150,000 to $200,000.

Indianapolis. — The Welsh Manufacturing Company; capital
$50,000; to manufacture electrical appliances, etc.; directors,
John H. Welsh, Joseph L. Gasper, L. S. McEnamey.

Noblesville. — Olive Branch Lighting Company; capital $1,000.
Incorporators : C. D. Zimmer, M. Jessup, Adam Kepner.

Plymouth. — Midwest Supply Company; capital $10,000; to
purchase and sell mechanical and electrical supplies. Incor-

porators: S. Tomlinson, L. E. Daniel, A. B. Diggs, F. C. King,
W. S. Daniel.

KANSAS

Sharon Springs. — City is erecting a $12,000 electric light plant.
W. E. Hulse & Co, Hutchinson, architects.

KENTUCKY

Carlisle. — Carlisle Electric and Power Company has increased
capital stock from $15,000 to $30,000. Will make some addi-
tions to plant.

Georgetown. — City is considering construction of electric light
plant and water works.

Hazard. — Kentucky River Power Company, R. L. Cornell,
Mgr.-Engr., has completed surveys and preliminary work for
$300,000 electric plant to install 2,000 hp steam turbine; 5 mi.
transmission system.

Henderson. — Melton Electric Company ; capital $2,000. In-
corporators: M. C. Melton, R. A. Day and E. W. Melton.

Lexington. — Fisher Electric Company; capital $4,000. Incor-
porators : J. D. Sousley, J. G. Fisher and M. E. Fisher.

Louisville. — D. H. Ewing's Sons will install 22 motors ag-
gregating no hp ; will probably purchase engine and generator.

Mater. — Wiley W. Gibson will construct electric light system,
at this place.

Mt. Olivet. — Mt. Olivet Light and Power Company, W. S.
Chandler, Mgr., are to erect electric light plant here. Want
equipment.

Whitesburg. — Wiley W. Gibson, of Mater, Ky., will build pow-
er station in this city and electric light system in Mater.

LOUISIANA

Church Point. — City contemplates erecting municipal electric
light plant and water works.

Crowley. — City will issue $35,000 electric light and water
works bonds.

Washington. — -City contemplates constructing electric light
plant.

MASSACHUSETTS

Lynn. — The Davis Storage Battery Company, recently incor-
porated here for the manufacture of electrical equipment, has
taken a factory on Chestnut Street and plans to commence opera-
tions about Feb. 1.

Westfield. — City has voted $14,000 for light plant and trans-
mission line.

MISSISSIPPI

Columbus. — City is reported as contemplating voting on $10,-
000 bonds for electric light plant.

Forest. — Bienville Lumber Company has taken over the For-
est Electric Plant from R. J. Knoblock, Propr., and will operate
in connection with its own plant, enlargements to be made.

Marks. — Jas. Fitzel has franchise to install and operate elec-
tric light system.

Oxford. — City will issue $6500 bonds to improve light and
water plant.

Sumner. — Southern Electric Service Co., A. S. Carl, Mgr.,
Winona, Miss., will re-equip present d.c plant with 2300-volt a.c ;
proposed cost, $14,000. Will construct 6 mi. transmission to
Tutwiler, Miss., and 2 mi. to Webb, Miss.

Wesson. — -City is to construct electric light system and water
works early in January.

MISSOURI

Branson. — Branson Light and Power Co., C. C. Bradshaw,
Mgr., will install electric light plant here. Construct 2 mi.
transmission line to Hollister, Mo. Voltage 2300.

7°

ELECTRICAL AGE

January, 1916

NEBRASKA

Omaha. — The Alamo Farm Light Plant Company ; capital
$100,000. To manufacture and sell electric lighting plants for
farms. B. LeBron and F. L, Tubbs, of Omaha, and Geo. E.
Tnbbs, of Hillsdale, Mich., are the incorporators.

NEW JERSEY.

Jersey City. — The New Jersey Power and Light Company;
incorporated capital $2,000,000. To manufacture electricity for
light, heat and power. Address 75 Montgomery St.

NEW YORK

Brooklyn. — Primo Electrical Manufacturing Co., Inc. ; incor-
porated capital $5,000. C. P. Liotta, Rosario Morello, S. S.
Celano.

Buffalo. — Wellsville and Buffalo Railroad Corp., incorporated
capital $850,000. To operate railroad, electric, steam, etc.,
power. Incorporators : C. A. Finnegan, 83 Ellicott Road, Depew ;
A. Weber, Inter-Southern Boulevard, Louisville, Ky., and T.
Hofeiler, 59 Ashland Avenue, Buffalo.

New York. — Thistle Electric Company; electric equipment;
incorporated capital $10,000. Incorporators : W. D. Bass, Rich-
ard H. Fessler, Boyd Thistle, 340A Monroe Street.

New York. — Kilmer Lighting Co., Inc.; $5,000. W. S. Kilmer,
R. L. Kent, J. H. Gibson, all of New York.

New York. — Red Top Electric Co., Inc. ; capital $500,000.
To manufacture electric toasters, stoves and other appliances.
Incorporators : H. J. Lucke, J. E. A. Konigsberg, S. H. Daeder,
2 Rector Street, New York City.

Olean. — The Olean Electric Light and Power Company is
doubling the capacity of its plant.

Port Ewen. — The Holland Nitro Lamp Co., Inc. ; mfg. lamps.
Capital $25,000. Incorporators: W. P. Graham, 60 Bay 31st
St., Brooklyn, N. Y. ; F. A. Schwabmayer, tii Waverly Place;
M. Roy, 104 Fifth Avenue, New York City.

Sanborn. — The Sanborn-Perkin Power Company has been in-
corporated by H. B. Treichler, J. B. Hudson, B. L. Hudson,
and others. Will generate and sell power to surrounding towns
and villages.

NORTH CAROLINA

Kernersville. — City contemplates constructing electric light sys-
tem. Will probably secure power from Southern Power Com-
pany's plant, in which event station will be built in city.

Granite Falls. — City is erecting electric light and power plant,
to cost $4,000. Comstock Electric Co., High Point, N. C, Contr.

Newborn. — Brighton Light and Power Company; capital $25,-
000. Incorporated by J. C. Irving, J. V. Blades, E. p. Blades and
others.

Statesville. — Southern Power Co., Charlotte, N. C, will build
electrical transformer station here.

Zebulon. — City is expending $10,000 to install lighting sys-
tem. Comstock Electric Co., High Point, N. C, Contr.

NORTH DAKOTA

Bismarck. — Woodruff Electric Light and Power Company ; in-
corporated capital $25,000. Incorporators : W. G. Woodruff,
G. F. Dullan and E. E. Woodruff.

OKLAHOMA

Dacoma. — Dacoma Light and Power Company; capital $3,000;
incorporated by Levi O. Le Dou, G. E. Selfridge, Ed Hurt and
others.

Goltry. — City is planning to install electric light and telephone
system. W\ L. Benham, engr., Oklahoma City.

lieavener. — City will construct electric light plant ; cost $20,000.
About 2 mi. transmission.

Ringling. — Bert Foster, of Ardmore, Okla., will construct
electric light system in this town.

Tulsa. — Oil Fields Gas and Electric Co.; capital $20,000. In-
corporated by W. A. Moore and J. T. Lantry, of Tulsa; C. F.
Hopkins, Sapulpa ; J. A. Frates, Springfield, Mo., and others.

OHIO

Cincinnati. — The Cincinnati Electrical Tool Company has in-
creased its capital stock from $50,000 to $75,000.

PENNSYLVANIA

Philadelphia. — It is reported that the Philadelphia Electri<
Company is considering the erection of a big new powerhouse
at Beach and Palmer Streets.

Renovo. — The Noyes Electric Light Company has been incor-
porated here with a capital stock of $5,000.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Greenville. — City is installing a new white way system here.
Southern Public Utilities Co., contr.

Hartsville.- — Coker College has let the contract to Perry-Mann
Electric Company, of Columbia, S. C, to install electric gen-
erating plant.

TENNESSEE

Winner. — The Winner Gas and Electric Company ; capital
$25,000. Incorporators : Geo. Drake, A. Drake, C. F. Robbins, all
of Platte.

Chattanooga. — The Tennessee Power Company of this city
will build an additional power plant, the first unit to be 10,000
hp, with an ultimate capacity of 40,000.

TEXAS

Dallas. — Dallas Union Terminal Co. is erecting power plant
here.

Jacksonville. — J. R. Keller, of this city, is in the market for a
1 50-175 kw. 220-volt, 3-phase belted generator.

Kenedy. — Kenedy Light Company is contemplating installing
75-kw. generator in electric light plant here.

McKinney. — City voted to sell municipal electric light plant
to Texas Power and Light Co., of Dallas. Latter under con-
tract to improve property at cost of $100,000.

Pampa. — Pampa Water, Light and Power Company; capital
$5,000. Incorporated by A. E. Davis, M. E. Davis and E. Cant-
ler.

VIRGINIA

Newport News. — Newport News Light and Water Company
has been authorized to issue $6,000,000 of bonds.

Norton. — Norton Electric Supply and Equipment Co. ; incor-
porated capital $15,000. Incorporators: ,W. H. Keller, M. B.
Keller.

Pennington Gap. — Electric Transmission Co. ; incorporated
capital $100,000. Incorporators : Arthur Hardgrave, Chicago,
111. ; B. F. Mays, Washington, D. C.

Richmond. — Hopewell Electric Supply Co. ; incorporated capi-
tal $10,000. Incorporators: M. A. Finn, Petersburg; William
M. Mulligan, Richmond.

WEST VIRGINIA

Mason. — Ohio River Salt Company is to install electric light
plant here.

Wellsburg. — American Gas and Electric Co., 30 Church Street,
New York, is to organize company to build electric power plant
here. Initial expenditure, $2,500,000; initial installation, 60,000
kw., with provision for ultimate development 180,000 kw. Plans
to furnish electricity for light and power to cities within radius
•of 60 miles of Wheeling, including Canton and Newark, Ohir.

KEEP WELL COVERED
WHEN NOT IN USE

TRADE MARK

YAGERS

REG. U.S. PAT. OFF.
NOS. 47264 8. 83460.

SOLDERING

do you use
YAGERS SOLDERING PASTE

ASK FOR A SAMPLE

KEEP IN A COOL PLACE

YAGER'S
FLUXES

Have you tried YAGER'S SOLDER-
ING SALTS in the new enameled
screw top can container? Same price
as for the bottles. Packs better; ships
lighter; keeps its dry granular salt
form, and will not corrode. Ask to
see YAGER'S in its new dress. It does
the work for others. It will do yours.
Use YAGER'S SOLDERING PASTE
in collapsible tubes for your kit; in tin
boxes for the bench. Yager's Paste
means no waste.

ALEX. R. BENSON CO.

HUDSON, N. Y.

The National Monthly of Electric Practice

Formerly ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Technical Journal Company, Inc., New York

Vol. 48

FEBRUARY, 1916

No. 2

%m J@iMsm l^iiiwc

A High-Head Plant on Vancouver Island
By Frank C. Perkins

The Jordan River Plant of the Vancouver Island
Power Company, Limited, a company subsidiary to
the British Columbia Electric Railway Company,
Limited, is situated at the mouth of Jordan River,
which flows into the Straits of San Juan de Fuca
about 40 miles west of the City of Victoria, Vancouver
Island. The Jordan River is a mountain stream flow-
ing in a southerly direction through a deep and pre-
cipitous valley. The source of the main river is in
Jordan Meadows, which lie about midway between
the east and west coast of the Island, and at an eleva-
tion of about 1,700 feet above sea level. Several large
creeks join the river in the upper ten miles of its
course, the principal streams being Bear Creek, Wye
Creek and Alligator Creek. The total drainage area
is about 75 square miles, the greater part of which
lies at an elevation of over 1,200 feet above sea level,
and this entire area is covered by a growth of heavy
timber.

The precipitation is very heavy, averaging about 90
inches per year over the whole watershed. During the
winter months there is a generous fall of snow varying
from 4 to 11 feet in depth in the higher parts. This
snow, protected by the heavy timber and underbrush,
often remains on the ground until well on in June or
July, thus forming a splendid natural reservoir.

This development is of particular interest on ac-
count of the high head utilized, the static head at the
power house being 1,145 feet- The power house is
situated on the beach near the mouth of the Jordan
River, with the main floor 7 feet 6 inches above high
tide level. Water is conveyed to the water wheels in
the power house from a forebay reservoir through
steel pipe lines 9,290 feet long.

The Bear Creek dam, situated on Bear Creek, about
a mile above the junction of that stream with the Jor-
dan River is an earth embankment built by the hy-
draulic process. The greatest height above the bot-
tom of the foundation is 57 feet and the length on the

crest is 1,020 feet. The crest has a width of 15 feet;
the downstream slope is 2^ to 1 and the upstream
slope 3 to 1. The spillway is excavated from the solid
bedrock at the north end of the dam. The volume of
material in the dam, as measured in the embankment,
is 148,000 cubic yards.

In order to ensure watertightness and provide a se-
cure foundation, not only for the initial structure 57
feet high, but for an ultimate structure 87 feet high
for developing the reservoir to its full capacity, steel
sheet-piling was driven to bedrock, thus forming a cur-
tain wall across the valley. This dam forms a lake
285 acres in extent and provides storage available for
power purposes amounting to 328,000,000 cubic feet.
The area of Bear Creek watershed above the dam is 8
square miles, and is at an elevation exceeding 2,000
feet above sea level.

Regarding Jordan River dam, the survey showed
that immediately below the junction of Wye Creek
and Jordan River the canyon narrows and is crossed
by a ridge of bedrock which extends well up on both
sides of the canyon. This site was recognized as the
best for a dam of a permanent character. It was orig-
inally intended to place the diversion dam at this
point, but owing to the limited time, the lack of a
ready supply of material for concrete near the site,
and also in view of the probability of using the site
at some future time for the construction of a high
dam which would, in addition to diverting the stream
into the flume, form a large reservoir, another lo-
cation was chosen for the temporary diversion dam
about 2,000 feet further up stream.

So as to utilize the runoff from Wye Creek, a
small diversion dam was also built on this creek and
a branch flume was built to carry the water from Wye
Creek dam to the main flue on the east bank of the
Jordan River. The temporary Jordan River diver-
sion dam was a substantially built rock-filled crib struc-
ture sheeted with two thicknesses of 2 inch planks.

ELECTRICAL AGE

February, 1916

It was founded on bedrock and the bottom edge of the,
upstream sheeting was set in a concrete sill.-' • The
length on the crest: was 128 feet and the width 8 feet.
Both faces were built on r to 1 slopes and the maxi-
mum height was 18 feet above bedrock.

The flume intake was located at the east end of the
dam and was also constructed as a rock-filled crib and
lined with two layers of 2 inch planks. The regulation
of the flow of water was controlled by three timber

Fig. l—Dam under construction

headgates operated by rack and pinion. These gates
discharge directly into an intake basin depressed 2 feet
below the floor of the flume and provided with sand
gates through which the silt and sand which might
collect in the basin could be discharged. The Wye
Creek dam was of similar construction, but the crest
length was only 90 feet. The storage provided by the
Bear Creek reservoir was sufficient to supply the de-
mands of the first two units installed in the power
house, but on account of the rapidly increasing de-
mand for power the construction of a high storage
dam on the Jordan River was finally commenced.

It may be noted from the illustration that the Jor-
dan River dam is a hollow reinforced concrete struc-
ture of the Ambursen type, with crest 1,268 feet above
sea level. The dam is 891 feet in length along the
crest. A spillway is provided. The dam is 891 feet in
length along the crest. A spillway is provided near
the east end of the dam with curved crest and rollway
apron which enables water overflowing the spillway
to fall clear of the toe of the buttresses; the spillway
is 305 feet long the crest 8 feet below the top of the dam
and provides for a discharge of 23,000 cubic feet per
second. The extreme height of the dam is 126 feet
above the lowest point of the foundation on the centre
line. This dam is believed to be the highest dam in
Canada, and it is the second highest dam of the Am-
bursen type so far constructed.

As may be seen, the Jordan River dam consists of a
reinforced concrete face or deck inclined at an angle of
45 degres and supported on concrete buttresses spaced
18 feet center to center. These buttresses are 12
inches thick at the top and increase, by steps or lifts 12'
feet high, to a thickness of 42 inches at the bottom of
the highest buttress. The upstream edge is built on
a slope of 1 to 1 ; the downstream edge has a batter

of 1 to 4 from the base to a point 18 feet below the
crest, above which point it is vertical. At the up-
stream, edge a heavy reinforced haunch or shoulder is
built on either side of the buttresses and the decks
are supported on these haunches. The buttresses pro-
ject beyond the haunches a distance equal to the
thickness of the deck, and a bonding groove or key is
cast in this projection. No vertical reinforcement is
used in the buttresses excepting along the downstream
edge and in the haunches, where heavy reinforcement
is provided to carry the decks ; horizontal reinforce-
ment is used along the top and bottom of each of the
12-foot lifts or steps.

There are provided horizontal tie beams, which are
reinforced top and bottom, run between the buttresses
at various elevations and give them lateral supports.
The reinforcement in these beams is continuous
through each three consecutive buttresses but is not
carried continuously through the dam on account of
possible strains set up by expansion and contraction.
Only two sizes of reinforcing steel were used in the
entire dam, these being % inch and s/% inch square cor-
rugated bars ; % inch bars were specified for all the
main reinforcement, and y% inch bars for vertical re-
inforcement. The total weight of steel used in the dam
was 380 tons.

It is stated that practically all the material in the
dam was handled by a cableway spanning the valley
on the centre line of the dam ; the length of the span
was 920 feet.

The flume is built entirely of timber, and was de-
signed for an ultimate carrying capacity of 175 cubic
feet per second. The box is 6 feet by 6 feet in section,
allowing for a depth of 5 feet 6 inches of water, and
has a grade of 1 foot in 1,000 feet. As originally built
the sides were only boarded up to a depth sufficient
to carry 75 cubic feet per second and the bents were
placed 15 feet centre to centre. In order to support

Fig. 2 — Another zriezv of dam under construction

the additional weight of water, it was necessary to
erect intermediate trestle bents, making the bents 7
feet 6 inches to centre; during the summer of 1913.
the necessary additions to the flume were made to
complete it to its ultimate carrying capacity.

The railroad which runs parallel to the. flume for its
entire length, greatly facilitated the work, as all lum-
ber and other construction materials were delivered
at the points at which they were to be used. Five
gates are provided along the length of the flume.

February, 191:

ELECTRICAL AGE

These are set in short boxes formed by dropping the
floor of the flume about 3 feet below grade, and serve
to catch all sand and silt which enters the flume. The
gates may also be used to empty the flume quickly in
case of emergency. The flume discharges into the
forebay reservoir, which is a small artificial lake of
4,350,000 cubic feet capacity, formed in the flat be-
tween two hills by two earth fill dams built across the
valleys immediately to the north and south of the
ridges. These dams, or embankments, were built of
the material excavated from thp higher ground lying
between them, thus adding to the capacity of the
reservoir.
. The north embankment, which is the smaller has a
length of 560 feet on the crest and contains 24,290
cubic yards of material. The south embankment is
700 feet long and has a volume of 26,560 cubic yards.
The slopes of both embankments are 2/2 to 1 on the
water side and 2 to 1 on the outer side. The maxi-
mum height of both dams is 35 feet. A spillway, with
crest 5 feet below the top, is built in solid ground near
the east of the north dam embankment. Two riveted
steel pipes pass through the south embankment ; the
inner ends of these intake pipes are fitted with 54
inch diameter hand operated roller bearing sluice
gates, and protected with trash racks. To the outer
ends of these intake pipes the pipe lines which con-
vey water to the power house are connected ; one of
these outlets provides water for Units Nos. 1 and 2,
and the second opening serves No. 3 unit.

The pipe line connected to the first outlet is 44
inches in diameter, and 3,000 feet long. It is of riveted
steel construction and varies in thickness from 14 inch
to 5-16 inch. At its lower end, a Y pipe is provided.
To the west branch of this Y, No. 1 pipe line is con-
nected ; this pipe line is of lap welded construction, 36

Fig. 3 — Completed Dam

inches in diameter at the upper end and tapering to 30
inches at the power house, and is 6,280 feet long. The
upper end of the pipe line serving No. 2 unit is con-
nected to the east branch of the Y. No. 2 pipe line is
of riveted construction, and varies in diameter from
36 inches at the top to 30 inches at the power house,
the thickness ranging from ]/2 inch to 1 inch at the
lower end. Both pipe lines are controlled by gate
valves placed just below the Y pipe. The pipe line
for No. 3 Unit is connected to the second intake pipe
in the south dam at the forebay reservoir. This pipe

line has a total lenpth of 9,290 feet and is located par-
allel to pipe lines No. 1 and 2.

For a distance of 2,508 ft. below the intake, No. 3
pipe line is of riveted steel construction 64 inches in
diameter at the top and tapering to 48 inches in dia-
meter at the lower end where it connects with a lap
welded pipe y2 inch thick and 48 inches in diameter ;
this diameter is maintained except for a length of 130
feet at the back of the power house, where the di-

Fig. 4 — Jordan River Power House

ameter is reduced to 44 inches ; the thickness at the
power house is 1^ inches. The pipe lines are liberally
provided with manholes, and air valves are placed on
the pipes at frequent intervals. In excavating the pipe
trenches, all surface soil was removed and the pipes
rest on a firm foundation of rock, hardpan or gravel,
throughout their length. Drainage is provided for by
packing small rocks and gravel around the bottom of
the pipes, and numerous concrete deflecting walls
built at intervals across the pipe trenches turn seepage
water into natural drains along the hillside.

The electrical equipment of the Jordan River power
house is of special interest. The original power house
building completed in 191 1 was a concrete structure 91
feet 6 inches long and 47 feet wide, in which two units
of 4,000 kilowatts capacity were installed with the ne-
cessary exciters, low and high tension switches and
transformers. On account of the rapidly increasing
load on the company's system, the original installation
has been added to. The attentions necessitated the
extension of. the power house building to accommo-
date a new 8,000 kw. unit with space for a fourth
unit, and an entirely new high tension switchboard
for the completed plant behind the power house. The
completed power house is a reinforced concrete build-
ing founded on concrete piles 12 inches in diameter,,
which penetrate to bedrock lying at a depth of 45 feet
to 75 feet below the surface. The floor of the older
portion of the building is 7 feet 6 inches above high
tide level ; the floor of the new portion is placed at an
elevation 5 feet higher.

In this power plant the completed generator room,,
shown in the illustration is 211 feet 6 inches long and
47 feet wide, in which are installed two identical 4,000^
kva. units made up of Allis-Chalmers-Bullokc 3-
phase, 60 cycle, 2,200 volt generators driven direct ar
a speed of 600 revolutions per minute by a single
double water-wheel of 6,000 H. P. mounted on one end

ELECTRICAI AGE

February, 1916

of the shaft, and overhanging the bearing at that end
of the unit. The shaft is a nickel steel forging 14
inches in diameter and supporting in two bearings 40
inches long.

The water is conveyed from the terminal end of
each pipe line through a cast steel flanged taper pipe
which is bolted to the flanged end of the pipe line.
This taper piece decreases in diameter from 30 inches
to 24 inches at the outlet end, where it is bolted to a
hand operated, 24-inch single disc, steel body, rising
stem gate valve which is provided with a by-pass. The

Fig. 5 — Generator Room

steel nozzle casting is bolted to this valve. The jet
of water is projected on to the wheel through a Doble
needle regulating nozzle and the governing is done by
a type Q Lombard governor, operating the needle
gear by means of an oil pressure cylinder.

There were surges or rams in the pipe line caused
by the quick closing of the main nozzle and they were
minimised by the Doble auxiliary relief nozzle. This
nozzle is similar to the main nozzle, but is placed be-
low it and the stream is discharged freely down the
tailrace. This relief nozzle is operated by the gover-
nor through links connected to a dashpot on the relief
needle stem. The gradual closing of the main nozzle
does not operate the relief, but in case of quick closing
the relief nozzle opens. Heavy coil springs bring
about the gradual closing of the relief nozzle, and the
time of closing can be regulated by adjusting the dash-
pot by pass valves. Oil pressure for the operation of
the governor is supplied by a motor-driven oil pump
which automatically maintains the pressure in the sup-
ply tank.

The No. 3 unit is made up of one 8,000 kva.
Canadian General Electric 3-phase, 60-cycle, 2,200-volt
generator, driven by two Pelton-Double water wheels,
one mounted on each end of the shaft and overhanging
the bearings. The water wheels are rated at 13,000
hp. The shaft is a hollow nickel steel forging 16
inches in diameter in the bearings, which are 60 inches
long; these bearings are of the single shell type similar
to those on No. 1 and No. 2 units. The two wheels
on this unit are supplied with water through a flanged
cast steel Y pipe which is bolted to the terminal end of
the pressure pipe line immediately behind the unit

foundation. The entrance connection of the Y is 44
inches in diameter and the branches are 34 inches. To
these branches are bolted cast steel taper pipes, reduc-
ing to 24 inches, and to these are bolted 24 inch single
disc steel body gate valves. These gate valves are
operated by small reversible water wheels mounted on
brackets on the yokes of the valves ; the water
motors operate a bronze nut on the rising stem
of the valve through a system of spur and
bevel gearing. Water is supplied to the wheels
through short pipes connected to the hood of the
valves, and an automatic device is provided which pre-
vents over-running. The cast-steel nozzle bodies of
the main and relief nozzles are bolted directly to the
gate valves.

It is pointed out that each wheel is provided with an
entirely separate direct motion oil operated, relay type
Pelton-Doble governor; the piston of the governor
motor cylinder is mounted on the extended needle
stem of the main nozzle, and from this stem the aux-
iliary or relief nozzle is operated by double levers con-
nected to the dashpot on the stem of the auxiliary
needle. This direct application of the motive powers
of the governor to the needle stems of the water
wheel, without any intermediate connections, is a
great improvement over the old system of applying
the power through a system of links, with their in-
herent lost motion and backlash. These governors
have given exceptionally good regulation without
causing any appreciable surges in the long pipe line.

The oil pressure for the operation of the two gov-
ernors is provided by a water motor driven gear type
pump with a welded steel oil pressure accumulator
tank. The pump motor is controlled by a float in a
chamber connected with the accumulator tank. The
governors may also be controlled by hand. Three ex-

Fig. 6 — Transformers and Governors

citer units are provided. Two of these consist of one
100-kilowatt, 125-volt direct-current generator, with a
150-horsepower water wheel at the other end. The
third exciter set consists of a 200-kilowatt, 125-volt
direct-current generator on the shaft of which are
mounted a 300-horsepower induction motor and a 200-
horsepower water wheel.

February, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

idmfeiill gS&t&cDsa ©saammdl nmdl IMws'gJrfi^

By W. T. Ryan

"Demand Factor" is defined in the Standardization Rules of
the A. I. E. E. as the ratio of the maximum demand of any
system or part of the system, to the total connected load of the
system, or of the part of the system under consideration. Thus
if a residence has a connected load of twenty-five forty-watt
mazda lamps and the maximum demand of the residence is
fifteen forty-wattlamps, the demand factor would be 600 watts
divided by 1,000 watts or 60 per cent. The demand or Hopkin-
son system of charging for electrical energy seems to be the
least worst of the various systems which have been proposed. In
a recent institute paper on "Rate Making," Mr. Paul M. Lincoln
makes the following statements : "Since Hopkinson's first sug-
gestion there has been much discussion of this question of
rates. Papers almost without number have been written on this
subject of rates and every phase of the matter has received
critical attention. For the last five years the National Electric
Light Association has issued a weekly bulletin entitled 'Rate
Research' and devoted to nothing else but a discussion of rates
and closely applied subjects. Without exception, all authorities
have recognized the correctness of Hopkinson's main contention,
viz., that any logical rate for electric service must, in some
manner, recognise maximum demand as well as the total of
kilowatt-hours of energy used, thereby taking the load factor
into account."

Unquestionably it is pretty well agreed that at least two items
should be known, viz., the kilowatt-hours and the maximum
demand. There is sold in the United States and Canada about
one million watt-hour meters every year, whereas less than one
per cent, of this number of maximum demand meters are sold.
Classification of customers and of demand factors is usually
depended upon to take care of demand factor, except in the
case of very large users. The cost of obtaining all the items
necessary to render a small customer a logical bill is so large
that it is at once apparent that classification is the preferable
horn of the dilemma.

Mr. H. B. Gear, of Chicago, made a very extensive study of
demand and diversity factors in Chicago some years ago. The
first question he considered was the determination of the con-
sumers maxima in per cent of the connected load for residences
where the connected load was less than one kilowatt. He studied
this problem by averaging the results of 20,000 residence con-
sumers. Mr. Gear found that if a residence consumer had only
three 50-watt equivalent lamps, his maxima would be 150 watts,
i.e., he would turn on all three lamps at once some time during
the year. He found that if his connected load were 19 50-watt
equivalent lamps his maximum lemand would be 10 50-watt
equivalent lamps; in other words, on the average such a cus-
tomer would never turn on more than ten lamps at one time
during the year. The results of Mr. Gear's complete study is
given in Table I.

TABLE I
RESIDENCE LIGHTING

Connected load in

Maximum

Demand

watts

Demand

Factor

150

100%

2.50

250

100%

350

300

85%

450

325

72%

550

375

68%

650

400

61%

750

425

57%

850

450

53%

950

500

52%

Average 550

72%

lighting has encouraged the use of more units and freer use of
lights.

According to the last edition of the Standard Handbook the
demand factors used for computing rates of small Chicago light-
ing consumers are as follows:

Kilowatt connected
load

0.25
0.30
0 35
0.40
0 45
0.50
0.55
0 60
0.65
0.70
0.75
0.80
0.85
0.90
0 95

Demand Factors

Commercial

Residence

(per cent)

100

The following table shows the demand factors compiled by the
Wisconsin Commission from companies using Wright demand
meters.

Per Cent

Stores

40 to 100

Laundries

60 to 75

Offices

57 to 87

Livery stables

52 to 58

Saloons

62 to 92

Lodge and dance halls

Restaurants

32 to 62

Depots

75 to 95

Fa tories

53 to 56

Theatres

49 'o 89

Churches

36 to 85

Shops

Hotels

Machine shops

37 to 54

Clubs

Blacksmith shops

Schools

M to 52

County and Federal bldgs.

31 to 33

The general use of tungsten lamps has effected this problem
somewhat by reducing the connected load per outlet, but cheaper

The term "Diversity Factor," which has come into general use
in the last few years, has recently been defined in the Standard-
ization Rules of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers
as follows : "Diversity factor is the ratio of the sum of the max-
imum power demands of the subdivisions of any system or parts
of a system to the maximum demand of the whole system or
the part of the system under consideration, measured at the
point of supply." Thus, if 100 residences were served by one
transformer, and maximum demand meters were placed in each
residence and on the transformer, and if the sum of the maxima
of the 100 residence meters were 100 kilowatts and the maxima
indicated by the transformer meter 30 kilowatts, the diversity
factor would be 100 divided by 30 or 3.33.

The study of diversity factors for various classes of customers
is a matter 01 great importance to the financial success of a
central station business, as it is intimately involved with the
design of the distributing system, and in the determination of
the rates for the various classes of customers.

Diversity factors are usually determined with maximum de-
mand ammeters as there are no good inexpensive maximum
demand wattmeters on the market. The kilowatts are then ob-
tained by multiplying by the nominal voltage. For motors, arc
lamps, etc., which have a power factor considerably less than
unity the kilovolt-amperes is all that is obtained.

In the ordinary distribution system there is first a diversity
factor between the individual consumers and the transformer
serving a group of such consumers because the maximum de-
mands come at different times. There is next a diversity factor
among their feeders for the same reasons. The elements of the
usual distributing system is shown by Figure 1.

ELECTRICAL AGE

February, 1916

Station

Feeders

>.-[--- Tra ns formers -L - ->

I r zc .

VSerVice

\~y- defers -^J \^J

□ □□aaaa-r

aaaaaaa

■ L a mps or Motors '

7auuQaaa

Distribution System Diagram

Diversity Factor Among Residence Lighting Consumers : The
next problem we are concerned with is the diversity factor among
the consumers for residence lighting. Mr. Gear took a resi-
dence block supplied by one transformer, in which there were
34 consumers having a connected load of 18 kilowatts or an
average of 530 watts per consumer. The sum of the consum-
ers maxima was 12 kilowatts, while the actual maxima as
measured on the transformer was 3.600 kilowatts. The diversity
factor of the consumers in this block was 12.00 divided by 3.60,
or 3.33. Another block having 185 consumers, whose total
connected load was 95 kilowatts gave the following results :
sum of consumers maxima, 68 kilowatts ; maximum load on the
transformer, 20 kilowatts; diversity factor among lamps, 98
divided by 68, or 1.44; diversity factor among consumers, 68
divided by o, or 3.40.

As a result of his complete investigation, Mr. Gear found
that, the average diversity factor among meters for residence
lighting was approximately 3.35.

[n order to get some data on diversity factor in Minnesota,
I sent a diversity factor questionnaire to 37 cities in Minnesota
whose population. was 3,000 or over. Although I was told by a
live wire central station man that he doubted very much whether
any operator in Minnesota with the possible exception of those
in the Twin Cities, ever kept any records of this kind, I re-
ceived replies to : several of my questions from approximately
one-third of the cities. The replies regarding residence cus-
tomers are given in Table II.

TABLE 11
RESIDENCE LIGHTING

(Minnesota Cities)

City

Population

Diversity
resider

Factor among

ce consumers

7,000

3.00

220,000

4.00

7,900

3.33

3,800

3.00

80,000

4.00

7,600

2.50

3,700

2.00

3,000

3.33

Average

3.14

Diversity Factor Among Residence Lighting Transformers :
The next question is the detrmination of the diversity factor
among transformers. The diversity factor among transformers,
all of which are used for residence lighting, will not be very
large. As a result of his very elaborate investigation, Mr.
Gear found an average value of 1.30 for the value of the diversi-
ty factor among residence lighting transformers. The average
result of the answers received for Minnesota towns as a result
of my questionnaire was considerably higher than this, indi-
cating that the number of customers per transformer is prob-
ably considerably smaller than in Chicago. There is a tendency
in the smaller towns to use too many small transformers, in-
stead of only a few large transformers. If we had 30 residence

customers each demanding one kilowatt, and we put in one
transformer for each customer, our total transformer capacity
would be 30 kilowatts, and the diversity factor about 3.35 among
transformers; whereas, if we put in one transformer for the
30 residences, one ten-kilowatt transformer would suffice, and
the diversity factor among transformers would be about 1.30.
It is probably necessary to connect at least ten or twelve consum-
ers to one transformer in order to get approximately the high-
est diversity factor. One ten-kilowatt transformer would cost
approximately $93.00, whereas 30 one-kilowatt transformers
would cost approximately $600.00. The core loss of a ten-kilo-
watt transformer is 90 watts, whereas, the care loss of 30 one-
kilowatt transformers is 720 watts. Of course, on the other hand,
the secondary distribution system will cost more and a nice
balance must be struck between the two ; the tendency, however,
is put in too many small transformers. Ordinarily an economic
balance is obtained when the transformers are placed from 500
to 800 feet or usually about two city blocks.

Mr. Gear found a diversity factor of 1.35 among transformers
used for general power purposes, and 1.30 among transformers
used for commercial lighting. The average of Minnesota cities
that reported to me was about 1.6, due probably to more scat-
tered load and smaller transformers. One of the larger cities,
for example, reported that they provided separate transformers
for each power consumer, and figured upon a diversity factor of
2.50. It appears from Mr. Gear's report that in Chicago the
average diversity factor among transformers is about 1.33, where-
as, the replies I received from the various Minnesota cities would
seem to indicate 1.60 as the value. The difference is probably
mostly due to the fact that the load is more scattered, hence,
fewer customers on one transformer.

Diversity Among Feeders : The diversity factor among feed-
ers is usually not very large. In Chicago, the diversity factor
among feeders during the week of maximum load was 1.15. Mr.
Gear concluded that the diversity factor among residence light-
ing feeders, commercial lighting feeders and general power feed-
ers, were all approximately 1.15. I received only seven replies to
my question regarding diversity factor among feeders in Min-
nesota cities. The answers are given in Table TIT.

TABLE III
DIVERSITY AMONG FEEDERS

(Minnesota Cities)

City

Population

Diversity Factor among
Feeders

220,000

100

7.000

1.60

7,900

1.25

79,000

1.60

7.600

1.00

3,800

1.00

3,000

1.00

Average

1.21

Demand Factor of Power Consumers : About the only in-
formation available on this subject is Mr. Gear's study in Chi-
cago. The demand factor will be expressed as the ratio of kilo-
volt-amperes demanded by the consumer, to the kilowatts in con-
nected motor load. The distribution system must be designed
for the current to be carried regardless of the power factor,
and maximum demand meters measure current from which is
calculated the kilovolt-amperes.

A group of 18 customers in Chicago having a connected load
of 45-kw. in single-phase, and three-phase motors, showed 40-
kva. as the sum of their maximum demands. This would give
an average demand factor of 89 per cent, for this group.

Another group of eleven consumers having a total connected
load of 97.3-kw. showed 90-kva. as the sum of their maximum
demands. This gives a demand factor of 92 per cent.

A third group of 25 consumers whose connected kilowatts was
1 12.5, gave 100 kilovolt-amperes as the sum of their maximum
demands. This give,s a demand factor of 89 per cent.

A fourth group of 29 single-phase consumers whose con-

February, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

nected load was 27.7-kw., showed 30-kva. as the sum of their
maximum demands. This would give us a demand factor of
over 100 per cent. The low power factor of the small single-
phase motors probably accounts for this.

In small cities, a large percentage of the power consumers
may have only one, two, or three motors, which as a rule, are
very liable to be all operated at once, and at times some of them
may be heavily overloaded. Therefore it would seem that for
this particular class of power consumers a demand factor of
about 90 per cent, should be used. A very pronounced exception
would be in a shop where individual drive is used. The demand
factor might be as low as 35 or 40 per cent, for such an in-
stallation. The demand fuctors of Chicago power consumers
classified by size and obtained as the results of a very elaborate
investigation are as follows :

H.P. Installed

1 to 5

2900

6 to 10

456

11 to 20

237

over 20

307

No. Consumers

Demand Factor,
per cent.

75.4
64.5
64.7
42.9

Diversity Factor Among rower Consumer. The first group
of power consumers referred to above were connected to one
transformer and their maximum demand amounted to 25-kva.,
whereas, the sum of the individual maximum demands was
40-kva. The diversity factor is therefore 1.6. The diversity fac-
tor of the second group was found to be 1.39; of the third
group, 1.43; and of the fourth group, 1.43. The average diversi-
ty factor among the above power consumers was found to be
1.46.

As pointed out before, the diversity factor among the trans-
formers used for general power purposes was found to be 1.35,
and among the feeders, 1.15.

Demand Factor of Commercial Lighting Consumers : As the
result of a similar very elaborate investigation among four
different groups of commercial lighting consumers, Mr. Gear
obtained an average demand factor of 78 per cent.

Diversity Factor Among Commercial Lighting Consumers :
An investigation by Mr. Gear of the four different groups of
commercial lighting consumers referred to above resulted in.
his obtaining an average diversity factor of 1.42.

Diversity Among Classes of Consumers : There is a still
further diversity factor between classes of customers. Stores
use their light in the late afternoon and early evening, whereas
hotels use their light mostly in the evenings. In Chicago, for
example, Mr. Gear found that there was a diversity factor of
1.35 between the power and lighting loads.

Total Diversity : The total diversity factor of each class
of consumers is the product of the diversity factors among
consumers, among transformers, and among feeders. There is
a further diversity among the classes of consumers under con-
sideration.

For residence consumers, the total diversity factor is (3.35)
(1.30) (i.i-S). This amounts to 5.00. For commercial lighting
it is (1.42) (1.30) (1.15), which amounts to 2.12. For general
power purposes it is (1.46) (1.35) (1.15). This amounts to 2.27.

TABLE IV
DIVERSITY FACTORS

Among consumers
" transformers
" feeders

Total diversity

Kw. station capacity per
100 Kw. connected load

The kilowatt station capacity per 100 kw. connected load is
obtained by dividing the total diversity factor by the demand
factor and then dividing 100 by the result. For example, the
total diversity factor for residence lighting is 5.00 and the de-

mand factor is 78 per cent. 5.00 divided by 0.78 is 6.92. 100
divided by 6.92 gives us the value 14.4.

It will be noted particularly that the above figures indicate
that only 14.4 kw. of station capacity is required for each 100
kilowatts of residence lighting connected load. 36.6 kw. in
station capacity is required for commercial lighting, and 40 kw.
for general power purposes. It shows that the old assumption
which was frequently made that the maximum demand on
small central stations in about one-half the total connected load
probably requires considerable modification. In Minneapolis,
whose population is 325,000, the ratio between the maximum
load on the station and the total connected load is approximately
one to three.

The answers to the writer's questions regarding kw. station
capacity per 100 kw. of connected load are given in Table.V.
table v

TOTAL DIVERSITY FACTORS

(Minnesota Cities)

Kw. Station

Capacity per

City

Population

100 Kw.

Residence

Commercial

General

Liehting

Lighting

Power

7,600

220,000

7,900

3,700

79,000

Average

21.8

58-4

46-2

The writer believes that diversity factor, as well as demand
factors and load factors, should be taken account of in making
up a system of charging for electrical energy.

A portion of the fixed charges, such as interest, insurance,
depreciation, and taxes should be apportioned among the various
classes of consumers in inverse proportion to their diversity fac-
tor. In addition to the remainder of the fixed charges, they
should pay their share of the variable charges, such as fuel,
oil, lamp renewals, etc., which are fixed by the quantity of
electricity generated. If 14.4 kw. station capacity will take care
of 100 kw. residence lighting, it is at once obvious that these
residence lighting consumers should pay part of the fixed charges
on only a 14.4-kw. unit of the station, whereas, a power cus-
tomer should pay a portion of the fixed charges on a 40-kw.
unit of the station. However, the total investment per kilowatt
of connected load will usually be considerably larger for resi-
dence lighting than for power purposes, because of the fact
that it is so scattered that the feeders, mains, transformers,
meters, etc., are much more expensive than for the denser com-
mercial lighting and general power load. And again, because
of the diversity between the residence lighting and power peaks,
much of the kilowatt station capacity which must be provided
for lighting can in most stations be used for power purposes,
thus making it unnecessary to provide any additional station
capacity to take care of a certain portion of the power load.
This should be credited to the general power class. The result
must be class rates. There will be a certain .amount of injustice
done to certain individuals within each class, but this can not
be avoided and should not be objected to by the public.

The investment and cost if operation to serve lighting cus-
tomes, commercial lighting customers, and power consumers
can be determined with a degree of accuracy that is fair and
equitable to each class. The individual within each class can
not be given a rate which is proportional to the cost of serving
him, any more than the same rate per ton mile can be charged
a 100 pound man for hauling him from Chicago to New York,
as for hauling a 250 pound man. They both pay the same fare.

The writer believes, therefore, that there should be a fixed
charge and an energy charge, and that these charges must be
worked out for the various classes of customers who are using
the electricity, and that it is impractical to try to charge each
individual customer within a class in proportion to the cost to
serve him.

ELECTRICAL AGE

February, jqi6

A German electrical device that bids fair to have a wide use
in mining is the electric explorer. This instrument is based on
the varying conductivity of the different layers of rock, soil and
water in the earth's crust. In the ground, insulating substances
which transmit electrical waves alternate with conducting sub-
stances which impede these waves.

The methods first employed were based on the reflection, re-
fraction and interference of these waves and required both
sending and receiving apparatus. The location of the conduct-
ing bodies, such as water or ore, was deduced from the variations
the strength of the received waves. The depth of the conductor
was calculated from the inclination of the sending and receiving
wires that gave the maximum strength in the received waves.
Later methods of locating the bodies are based on variation in
in the emitted waves caused by the electrical properties of the
ground near the sender. No receiving device is necessary

This device enables much prospecting for ores or water to be
done without boring. It is quite portable and has been used
with great success in Germany where the indication given have
proved to be very reliable.

* * *

The automatic regulation of electric lights is the object of
a recent invention of Dr. F. C. Brown. Not long ago the device
perfected by Dr. Brown for enabling the blind to read print was
announced. It has attracted the interest of the blind throughout
the world. Changes in the resistence of a crystal of selenium
caused by variations in light are the basis of its operation.
The same principle applied to the opening and closing of an
electric circuit is used in the new invention.

With the device attached to a lighting system the bulbs will
begin to glow at the coming of night fall, the gathering of heavy
clouds overhead, or the settling down of heavy smoke, and no
hand will need be touched to a switch. In a big department
store or in a whole city, for that matter it will control the
lighting so that there will be artificial light whenever it is needed.

Another and perhaps more important possibility of use for
the machine is in explosion of mines in warfare. A mine might
be placed in a doorway ahead of advancing troops. No sooner
would the troops begin passing than the cutting off or lessening
of the light would cause the machine to close an electric circuit
which would discharge the mine. Representatives of the war
department are investigating this possibility of the invention.
♦♦♦ * *
Magii©'SIs ML®tfa,®€L ®f PasMag Malls

Nails are now being packed in boxes by a machine of Swiss
invention. The result is a greatly decreased bulk as compared
with the old loose method of packing and much greater conven-
ience in handling. A box of ioo lbs. of packed nails takes up
but little over half the space required for the same quantity of
loose nails, as may .be seen from the illustration.

The operation of the electric nail packer is based on the fact
that relatively long pieces of iron when placed in a magnetic

Comparison of bulk of packed nails with nails in keg.

filled will try to take a position parallel to the lines of force.
The machine is a combined magnetic paralleling mechanism
and a shaking device. With the shaker operating, the nail turn
gradually into parallel with the lines of force and pass into
a tray from which they are emptied into the boxes.

By shifting the position of the moveable pole piece on the
magnet, it may be instantly adjusted to any size of nail.

This device requires about half a horse power for its me-
chanical drive and runs at about 2,000 r.p.m. The magnet coils
are excited by direct current at no or 220 volts and use about
1.5 kilowatt-hours per day.

The principle on which it operates could be equally well
used for packing all lengthy iron articles, such as knives, pens,
screws, hair pins or wire rods.

* * *

As a forecast of the coming expansion of the supply and
marketing of electric power, the address recently given by the
head of the Commonwealth Edison Company of Chicago, Mr.
Samuel Insull, is of very wide interest.

Basing his remarks on a comprehensive knowledge of the
past and present of the electric supply industry, Mr. Insull
drew attention to the recent rapid growth of area served by
electric companies and the central station power plant capacity
necessary for the increased service, which he estimated amounts
to at least 10.000,000 kilowatts at this time.

The chief cause of the fast growth of the industry in the last
few years comes from the improvements in generators, trans-
mission and distribution apparatus. The efficiency of the steam
turbine has increased 35 per cent, in the last two or three years.
A few years ago only 8 to 10 per cent, of the energy of coal
was delivered to the line. The early Parsons and Curtis turbine
raised the plant efficiency to 12.5 per cent. Improvements in
the past two or three years have increased this to 17 per cent.
How far that efficiency can be increased by other means, such
as gas turbines or the production of electrical energy direct
from some mineral, is a matter of conjecture. The industry
is in so vastly improved a condition compared with ten or fif-
teen years ago that the possibilities of extending service over
very much greater areas are becoming more and more apparent
to those who are conversant with the facts.

At Chicago, 500 kw-hr. per capita is generated yearly, com-
pared with about 74 kw.-hr. in the county of London, or, say,
150 kw.-hr. in Greater London, for a fairer comparison, includ-
ing electric railways. The electrification of steam railroads
at Chicago is a pressing question. The politicians assume that
it is only necessary to ask the railroads to accomplish this and
it will be done, but 3,500 miles of track are involved, and the
solution of the problem requires years of experience, since a
comprehensive and not a piecemeal solution is desirable. The
speaker said that he did not assert that the electrification of
railroads is an economic proposition to-day, that being a ques-
tion which must be determined by the railroads themselves.

He added that if the railroads in the Chicago district should
be electrified they would add 125,000 kw. to the present load, and
that one system would be obliged to carry 728,000 kw. if no
account was taken of the diversity factor. Owing to overlap-
ping peaks, however, the service could be rendered by 577,000
kw. through centralization. This represents a capital saving of
$30,000,000, and the saving in fuel consumption would be 5,900,000
tons yearly on a total assumption of 11,000,000 tons.

"Now suppose," said Mr. Insull, "that we carry this idea
farther afield, considering the electrification of all the railroads
in the country. It takes about 2,800,000 tons of coal yearly to
operate the railroads in the Chicago district by steam locomo-
tives. Applying the same figures to the entire country and
correcting by figures of the Interstate Commerce Commission,
we find that 135,000,000 tons of coal are yearly required for
steam railroads in this country. If the same process is followed
with the diversity factor as in Chicago, we find that if we

February, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

could marshall all the energy requirements of central stations,
railways, manufactories, mines, street cars, etc., the 43,000,000
hp. now required for separate operation would be reduced to
30,000,000 hp. if operated under one system of production and
distribution. I am not suggesting a single system for the
United States — that, of course, is impossible — but I do suggest
a series of state-wide organizations where the density of use is
sufficient for all the energy requirements of one territory to be
met by one system per territory. One might embrace Boston
and New York, another New York and Philadelphia, a third
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The savings of such group sys-
tems would be almost fabulous, amounting to from 12,000,000
hp. to 15,000,000 hp. at, say, $200 per horsepower. The annual
saving in fuel consumption would be about 250,000,000 tons, or
$500,000,000.

"The coming of a universal system of electrical supply is as
inevitable as day and night. It will mean enormous savings to
manufacturers of transportation, a very large saving in labor,
interest, depreciation, general capital charges, the preservation
of natural resources, lower relative consumption of copper, lead
and other metals, and will lead to a lower cost of production,
and so to a lower unit price to the smallest user, corresponding
to the most efficient mobilization of the business. There would
be a gain to all classes down to the occupants of the smallest
city flat — cheaper power and low-priced light for rich and poor
alike. Although it does not seem possible to try this out on a
national basis, the unification of electrical supply is steadily pro-
ceeding, and in adding to the wealth of the country and as a
factor in reducing costs it is putting us in a better position to
compete in the markets of the world."

^©mtt lEH^cgfeacg-mli IFuft^mii]:^ ©i

Centrifugally Controlled Coasting Indicating Device for
Cars or Trains. It is well known to those familiar with the
operation of electric cars or trains that considerable economy
in power can be effected by taking advantage of the proclivities
to coast on down-grade or under tre inertia of the train after
the power has been shut off. The careful motorman always takes
advantage of this, using his brakes to a minimum extent and
so avoids putting power into his train merely to be dissipated in
the brake shoes. It is the object of patent to Messrs. Walter
/. Hall and Charles W. Hall, of New York, N. Y. to provide
a means whereby the extent to which an operator has availed
himself of the coasting advantages as indicated above, may be
shown. To this end an indicator is provided which is electrically
operated, the operating circuit being controlled by a centrifugal
device driven when the car is in motion, and by the turning on
or off of the power current. When the centrifugal device is
in operation and the power current turned off, there is the con-
dition of coasting and the indicator circuit is closed. When,
however, either the car is at rest or the power current is turned
on, either of which conditions is inconsistent with coasting, the
indicator operating circuit is broken and there is no coasting
indication. The result is that an indication is afforded of when
there is and when there is not coasting. Patent No.- 1,165,592.

Electrically-Propelled Vehicle. The difficulty of handling the
great weight of storage batteries has been one of the greatest
draw-backs to the extension of the use of electric trucks, etc.
According to a patent to Joseph M. Klingelsmith, Chicago, 111.,
the handling of storage batteries for propelling trucks is facili-
tated by providing a compartment on the truck having rails
adapted to receive a car carrying the battery. The car and bat-
tery can be run out of the compartment for charging or repair
and a new battery can be run into the compartment. This per-
mits the exchange of batteries without a large amount of labor
and with comparatively short delay. Contacts are provided so
that the running of the battery car into position on the truck
automatically effects the desired connections which eliminates
another source of delay and possible duplication. Special pro-
vision is also made for ventilating the battery compartment.
Patent No. 1,165,784.

Removable-Unit Oil-Switch. It is a most difficult and danger-
ous matter to remove or repair oil switches on high tension
systems without disconnecting adjacent apparatus as well as
the switch itself in question and, where repairing of the switch
is undertaken without removing it, serious shut-down of the
plant is likely to be caused. To avoid these difficulties, Mr.
George A. Burnham, Cliftondale, Mass., proposes to build oil-
switches in units which are separately removable so that they
are readily replacable with minimum delay when accident or
necessity for inspection renders such a course necessary. The
connections of the switches are automatically made and broken
as they are moved into and out of position, the contacts being
carefully protected by insulation. The switch units are locked
in position by locking devices controlled from the operating

board so that the unit can be neither locked in position or un-
locked for removal without going to the operating board. This
is a safe-guard against approaching the switch unit to remove or
replace it while there is high potential on the contacts. Patent
No. 1,156,843.

Alternating-Current Magnet. Considerable interest has re-
cently been manifested in electromagnets for operating switches
and the like, deriving their energizing current from single-phase
circuits. Owing to rise and fall of the magnetic pull with the
current alternations this pull has not been uniform and chat-
tering of the contacts has resulted. Aside from any question of
the annoyance produced by noise, this chattering is liable to
produce small arcs which cause rapid deterioration of the con-
tacts. Various proposals have been made as to the prevention of
this chattering. A patent has been issued to Mr. William T.
Lutz, Allendale, N. J., which provides for immersing the magnet
in oil which is also admitted to the plunger passage, and valves
are provided which give a dash-pot action which prevents the
chattering of the plunger in response to the current alternations.
Patent No. 1,166,699.

Automatic Control for Ignition Devices. According to a
patent issued to Lewis T. Rhoads, Mont Clare, Pa., wasteful
discharge of current and possible overheating and wear and
tear on apparatus is prevented when the timer contacts stop
in engagement with one another. This is accomplished by Mr.
Rhoads by employing a thermostat which, when the closure of
the timer contact is unduly prolonged, opens the circuit thereto.
Mechanical means is provided for closing the circuit when the
timer is started up again. Patent No. 1,167,839.

Suspension-Type Insulator. A great deal of attention has re-
cently been given to insulators of this type. The insulating links
of which they are composed are generally of a fragile nature.
Mr. Karl C. Randall, Edgewood Park, Pa., in a patent recently
issued to him, describes an insulator of this type wherein the
different links are each located within a metal bell-shaped canopy.
Lower bells enter into the mouths of the ones above them so
that from one side an unbroken metal armor protecting the
insulating links is presented and the links are also very complete-
ly protected from the weather. Patent No. 1,168,031.

System for Distributing and Regulating Electrical Energy
in the Form of Alternating Currents. The operation of split-
phase motors from single-phase circuits, invented by Tesla many
years ago, has long been familiar to everyone. On January 11,
however, there was issued to Mr. William M. Fairfax, Washing-
ton, D. C, a patent disclosing the operation of split-phase motors
from a single-phase circuit with provision for automatically
maintaining proper phase relations of current in the motor re-
gardless of change of load, etc. upon the line. This maintenance
of proper phase relation, of course, increases the efficiency which
would be reduced by shifting of the relative phases owing to
change in load, reactance, etc. It is interesting to note that the
original application for this patent was filed on December 24th,
T897. Patent No. 1,168,065.

ELECTRICAL AGE

February, 1916

Some years ago there was considerable discussion, particular-
ly abroad, of an improved type of lamp, whose general char-
acterstics should be similar to that of the ordinary incandes-
cent lamp, as to operating in a bulb of the usual size and shape,
filled with an inert gas, but in which the source of light should
be an arc between tungsten or other conductors of a nature
refractory enough to stand the high temperature involved.

It was decided to make some experiments along this line and
recently the results of what has been done were described in a
paper read before the British Institute of Electrical Engineers
by representatives of the Edison & Swan Electric Light Comp-
any of London. In this paper the many difficulties to be over-
come in the development of the lamp were brought out and the
methods that were finally successful are clearly described.

The first lamps constructed were made with the electrodes in
contact, one of the electrodes being connected to an expansion
strip constructed of a strip of molybdenum, to one side of
which was welded a thin strip of copper or other suitable mater-
ial having about the same coefficient of expansion. A spiral fila-
ment of tungsten or molybdenum was mounted close to the
strip and wired in series with the arc circuit. To prevent the
strip moving too far and the arc breaking, a thick wire was
sealed intto the glass support ; this wire acted as a stop and
maintained the correct length of arc gap.

For alternating-current lamps the electrodes were constructed
of fused tungsten and were of equal size.

Fig. 1 — -First form of lamp

For use with continuous current, in one form of lamp the
positive electrode was constructed of a globule of fused tung-
sten, while the negative electrode consisted of a number of
tungsten wires or filaments mounted in the form of a brush. The
whole of the parts were assembled as shown in Fig. 1, and
sealed in an ordinary incandescent lamp bulb, which, after be-
ing thoroughly exhausted of air, was filled with nitrogen at a
pressure of approximately two-thirds of an atmosphere.

When connected to a continuous-current circuit through a
suitable resistance the current passing through coil A produc-
ed sufficient heat to cause the expansion strip B to warp, thus
separating the electrodes E, E, and striking an arc between
them. The temperature of the heating coil then dropped to a
very dull-red heat due to the added resistance of the arc itself.
The heat from the arc was more than sufficient to keep the ex-
pansion strip hard against the stop F, and thus to maintain the
requisite length of arc gap.

The arc burned steadily and the electrodes emitted an in-
tense white light. The lamp had, however, many disadvantages,
the most important being the tendency of the electrodes to
stick together, with the result that the expansion strip failed to
separate them slowly. Again, a considerable amount of sput-
tering took place when the electrodes separated, which, in
consequence, .shortened the life of the lamp. However, in the

course of development, principally by altering the shape and
size of the electrodes, a lamp was evolved from which a life
of over 100 hours was obtained. Other attempts to overcome
the sticking of the electrodes included altering the physical
state of one electrode, also the use of a short-circuiting piece
placed between them, which on the current passing was remov-
ed. These and other devices did not entirely overcome the
troubles of sticking and sputtering.

It seemed that these defects were such as would prevent the
perfecting of the lamp. Just at this time it was decided to work
along an entirely different line that would, if successful, dis-
pense with electrodes in contact.

It is well known from the experiments of Sir J. J. Thomson,
Dr. Fleming, and others, that the filament in an incandescent
lamp gives off a strong negative discharge, and if an additional
electrode sealed adjacent to the filament be charged to a posi-
tive potential, a current passes between the filament and this
electrode. This principle was applied to overcome the diffi-
culties encountered in making an arc incandescent lamp.

The first attempts on these lines were made with a lamp
suitable for an alternating-current circuit. This lamp con-
sisted of two small globules of tungsten fixed at a definite dis-
tance apart. As a means of breaking down the resistance of
the gas within the arc gap, a filament was mounted adjacent
to the electrode; this filament, when made to glow brightly for
a few seconds, acted as an ionising agent and made the arc gap
conducting.

As used in the lamp, this ionising circuit was connected in
parallel with the arc circuit through an auxiliary single-pole
switch and suitable resistance. On starting, the ionising cir-
cuit was completed for a few seconds and then broken bv means
of the switch. This resulted in an arc being momentarily struck
between one of the electrodes and the filament, this being fol-
lowed by an arc between both electrods, the filament which
acted as the ioniser being now entirely out of the circuit.

This lamp showed great improvement as regards both facility
in striking and life.

Efforts were then directed to make a lamp for continuous-cur-
rent circuits. At the start, the construction of this lamp was
similar to that used for alternating current, with the exception
that the negative electrode was smaller. To start the lamp the
filament acting as thei ioniser was brought to high incandes-
cence and then cut out by means of a switch in the positive
lead. Difficulties were experienced in inducing the arc to leave
the tungsten-filament ioniser and pass to the negative electrode
This trouble was due to bringing the negative electrode to a
temperature high enough to form an arc. In the alternating-
current arc the electrode which monentarily formed the arc
with the ionizer helped to form the arc proper, but with the
continuous-current lamp the arc persisted in passing between
the positive electrode and the ionizer.

Later on, negative electrodes were made, to which in the
majority of lamps the arc would strike, but it was. felt neces-
sarily to provide thoroughly for the protection of the ionizer.
This was desirable, inasmuch as the prolonged action of the arc
tended to damage the iohizer, which after a time added to the
difficulty of striking.

To try and obtain an ionizer which had a longer life than the
previously used tungsten filament and which retained its activity
throughout the life of the lamp, a study was made of the action
of other materials than tungsten for use as an ionizer. It is
well known that several refractory oxides possess to a very
high degree the property of emitting electrons ; experiments
were therefore made with mixtures and combination of tungsten
with zirconia, yttria, thoria and other oxides of the refractory
class.

As a result of continued experiments, a satisfactory filament

February, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

giving powerful ionization properties was evolved, it being
found that if the filaments were carefully made they were not
destroyed by the action of the arc and that they lasted con-
siderably longer than a filament made of pure tungsten, this
being no doubt due to the difference in the physical state of the
two filaments. However, difficulties still remained in the mat-
ter of restarting. The action of the arc after a time naturally
destroyed the ionizing properties of the filament, and in some
cases difficulty was experienced in restriking after 200 hours'
burning. This deterioration of the ionizing properties of the
filament was only local, being merely around a short length
directly opposite the anode.

Fig. 2 — Lamp with expansion
strip

Fig. 3 — Lamp without expan-
sion strip

To overcome this objection, a short length of expansion strip
similar to that used in Fig. 1 was linked between the anode
and its stem lead. A lamp constructed in this manner is con-
nected as shown in Fig. 2, which illustrates a lamp suitable for
a continuous-current circuit. Three leads are necessary
through the lamp stem ; on one is mounted the electrode E,
while the other two hold the filament, acting as an ionizer, B
B'. The positive main lead is divided into two circuits, one ot
which, A, passes through a resistance and the contacts on the
electromagnetic switch C to the pole of the ionizer B, the other
being taken through a resistance and the coil on the electro-
magnetic switch to the positive electrode of the arc circuit E.
The negative main lead is connected to the remaining ionizet-
lead B'.

In operation, the current first passes through the ionizer cir-
cuit, causing the filament to incandesce at a temperature suffi-
cient to ionize the gas between it and the positive electrode. At
first a current flows in the arc circuit, this current rapidly
increasing until the cut-out is operated. This breaks the ionizer
circuit and the arc is "struck," the striking being assisted by
the removal of the ionizer circuit, which, of course, shunted the
arc circuit. The heat rising from the arc causes the expan-
sion strip F to warp, and this moves the arc to another -posi-
tion on the ionizer.

On switching off the current the electrode returns to its
original position, having left the inactive part and coming to
rest opposite the still active portion of the ionizer. By this
means the lamp may be restarted at any period of its life with-
out difficulty.

In this lamp practically the whole of the intense white light
emanates from a small globule of fused tungsten one-tenth in.
in diamater.

Any size or shape of electrode may be made, the construc-
tion of the higher candle-power lamps being arranged as shown
in Fig. 3. Here the expansion strip is dispensed with, use be-
ing made of the fact that in the more powerful arcs there is a
greater tendency for the arc to pass across the shortest gap.
In this case, after striking from the filament to the edge of the

electrode, the arc rises to the thickened portion immediately
opposite.

Another method adopted for controlling the arc stream in
lamps of high candle-power is to employ an extra lead through
the stem, holding a smaller electrode fixed between the posi-
tive plate and the filament, and situated at a definite distance
from the former. By the operation of change-over switches
in the circuit an arc is first struck between the filament as
cathode and the small electrode as anode.

On this electrode becoming brightly incandescent the change-
over switch quickly operated brings into the circuit the large
plate electrode, at the same time breaking the negative con-
nection to the filament and changing the polarity of the small
white-hot electrode. This latter now being negative, an arc is
immediately formed between it and the large positive plate.
This arrangement enables electrodes of any size to be used, and
the filament being out of the circuit is completely protected.

A flat electrode is also employed. To obtain the best results
a definite relation of surface to volume must be maintained.
This type of lamp is made in sizes of 500 to 1,000 c.p., the maxi-
mum intensity being given in a direction at right angles to the
plane of the electrode.

Comparison with Arc and Incandescent Lamps — As com-
pared with the carbon arc lamp no regulating mechanism is
required, and there is therefore a saving in the initial cost of
production. The loss of light due to obstruction by the elec-
•trodes is small compared with that in the carbon arc, and
there is no trouble from flickering or from the arc wandering.
The arc is completely closed, so that there is no danger from
fire. No re-carboning is required, and the lamp needs no
attention whilst in use. The light-giving surface for the same
output is greater than the crater of the carbon arc, and the
electrodes can be so arranged as to concentrate the light in any
desired direction.

Filaments of incandescent lamps are always distributed
round the stem and thus occupy a fairly large area, whereas in
the new lamp the light-giving surfaces are concentrated in the
center of the bulb. In the same way that a carbon lamp ap-
pears yellow in comparison with the ordinary half-watt lamp,
.so does the latter appear yellow when contrasted with the new
incandescent arc. For high candle-power lamps the bulbs are
much smaller than for metal-filament lamps of corresponding
candle-power, e.g., electrodes to give 500 c.p. can be placed
with safety in a bulb 4 in. in diameter.

"40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 1 40 150
PERCENTAGE OF NORMAL CURRENT

Fig. 4 — Performance Curve

Characteristics of Lamp, etc. — Curve A (Fig. 4) shows the
percentage variation of pressure with current. As will be seen,
the curve is similar to that for an ordinary carbon arc, though
showing greater stability. The pressure across the arc steadily
decreases with an increase of current, and if this is continued
until the sputtering point is reached, the pressure suddenly
drops.

A representative efficiency curve is given by B in Fig. 4,
which shows- the efficiency for the normal working current to

ELECTRICAL AGE

February, 1916

be about 0.5 watt per International c.p., or 2 c.p. per watt. The
current may be increased until the tungsten reaches the
sputtering point, at which the efficiency is about 0.3 watt per
c.p. or 3.33 c.p. per watt.

Curve C in Fig. 4 shows the variation of c.p. with current.

Some experiments to determine the effect of varying the
pressure across the supply mains show the arc to be very
stable. A voltage drop of 20 per cent, in the case of the small
1 mps, and 25 per cent, in the larger sizes, was necessary before
the arc was extinguished.

As compared with the carbon-filament lamp (3.5 watts per
c.p.), with an intrinsic brillancy of about 375 c.p. per square
inch, and metal-filament lamps giving 1,000 c.p. per square
inch, the intrinsic brilliancy of the new lamp at an efficiency
of 0.5 watt per c.p., or 2 c.p. per watt, is approximately 10,000
c.p. per square inch. The color of the light can be made to
vary from a bright yellow when running at low efficiencies, to
a very intense white light when the lamp is run to the sput-
tering point of the electrodes. The range of intrinsic brilliancy
between these limits is approximately 400 to 30,000 c.p. per
square inch.

Comparison with the spectra of various lamps clearly shows
the continuity and strength in the visible spectrum of the new
lamp, the other sources of light showing weakness in the green
and at other points.

A great advantage of a lamp of this type is its adaptability
(by altering the shape and position of the electrodes) for so
varying the light distribution as to make it most suitable for the
particular purpose for which the lamp is required. Where
even illumination is required in all directions, spherical elec-
trodes are most suitable. Electrodes can be made of any de-
sired shape, however, and a flat plate or disk mounted vertically
is an ideal light source for projection purposes.

The lamp is made for both alternating and continuous-cur-
rent circuits, and the present intention of the Edison and
Swan Co. is to put forward only the continuous-current lamp
in its present form for optical projection and general scien-
tific work where a concentrated point source of light is re-
quired. The lamp is so suitable for projection work that there
is every reason to believe it will supersede all other sources of
light for this purpose. It gives constant, uniform screen il-
lumination, whilst there is no flickering and no danger of fire
in kinematograph work, as there often is from the intense
heat of the ordinary carbon arc. The bulb of the lamp, al-
though smaller, does not become so hot as those of the half-
watt metal-filament lamps. Moreover, the lamp requires no at-
tention whilst burning, so that the whole of the operator's time
is free to attend to his apparatus. Lamps of 1,000 to 2,000 c.p.
are suggested as very suitable for kinematograph projection,
and lamps- of 200 to 300 c.p. for ordinary lantern work.

Lamps have been made with a life of 500 hours, a. id it is
hoped that further experiment will make it possible to obtain
a true half-watt lamp with a life of 800 hours. During life
the average decrease in c.p. is about 10 per cent.

The lamp is very suitable for use in small search lights, for
daylight and night signaling and as projection arcs for stage
matching for artificial light.

Experiments have shown that it burns satisfactorily in series
on high voltage circuits, and a wide field for future develop-
ment is its adaptation for street lighting and illumination of
purposes. It should also prove useful in photography and color
large halls and inside spaces.

A fairly good microphone can be made by a single carbon
resting across two old safety razor blades. If such a micro-
phone is connected in series with a battery and telephone re-
ceiver, and a watch is placed on its baseboard, the ticks can be
heard on the telephone, even if it is some distance away. The
little jars which the ticking watch give the baseboard, shake the

carbon so that the resistance at its point of contact with the
razor blades varies, and thus changes the strength of the cur-
rent. The varying current then pulls the telephone diaphragm
back and forth and sets the surrounding air in motion.

* * *

Some interesting data as to the costs of standard electrical
construction of a transmission line, substation and a high-class
street-lighting installation were given at a recent hearing on a
petition of the Edison Electric Illuminating Company of Brock-
ton, Mass., for approval of an issue of $211,000 capital stock by
the Massachusetts Electric Light Commission. One recent ad-
dition to plant was the construction of a brick transformer house.
The building is of one story, 37 by 44 feet, with steel and con-
crete roof, concrete floor and foundation, with six transformer
bays. The cost of erection was $3,846.60, and of apparatus in-
stalled, as follows :

2 12,500-volt aluminum lightning arresters $ 524.00

6 choke coils 141.00

2 charging current indicators 12.00

Miscellaneous material 1500

Meters, current and potential transformers 1,557.00

Switches 377-0O

Cable 108.00

Copper wire 78.00

Cable taps 7000

Pipe 67.00

Labor 501.00

Miscellaneous material 120.00

Freight, carting and incidentals 70.00

Installation of an ornamental street-lighting system in Brock-
ton, with 75 luminous :ircs oi Lundin ornamental iron posts
with wood shafts, involved the following costs :
19,000 feet of No. 8 steel armored cable @ 20 cents. . . .$ 3,800.00

75 posts @ $40 3,000.00

75 6.6-ampere luminous arc lamps @ $35 2,625.00

3 25-light transformers and rectifier outfits complete

with switchboards @ $830 2,490.00

Labor, setting, wiring and painting poles, 75 @ $i5--- 1,125.00
Trenching, laying cable, refilling and repairs to side-
walk, 75,000 ft. @ 5 cents '. 1,875.00

Contingencies 1,485.00

Total $16,400.00

Construction of a 13,200-volt transmission line from the Brock-
ton substation to a proposed substation in Campello, including
right of way and transformer house, cost, $19,895.88, made up
of the following items :

Right of way and substation lot, 65 by 125 ft $ 4,67984

Brick transformer house, stucco finish, concrete founda-
tion, tile roof; space for six transformers 3,238.62

54 35-foot poles and one 40-foot pole 336.50

5,949 pounds No. 1 bare stranded copper wire @ 15 cents 893.76

Labor 72772

Miscellaneous material . . < 55°-47

Freight 38.61

3,576 feet lead-covered underground cable @ 84.5c... 3,022.43

Pipe '. 106.02

Miscellaneous material 79-T7

Labor :'. 192-93

Freight 36-96

Substation equipment : switchboard and control, two
550-volt feeders, switchboard, 13,200-volt feeder,
two 13,500-volt lightning arresters 1,427.00

2 50-kilovolt-ampere transformers 412.29

3 300-kilovolt-ampere transformers 2,800.00

Labor, miscellaneous material and freight 1,277.46

Blue prints and supervision 76.20

Total $19,895.88

February, 1916

ELECTRICAL

zfeiM iisad]

AGE

3Mf)Mtog) Hl/p Mflagjsura !F©I31g

C©©psir I?>r©^i!iisM©su una WimM^dl states

The production of copper in the United States has increased
more than twenty-five-fold since 1880. The production in 1913
was 1,652,000,000 lb., valued at $225,500,000. The world's pro-
duction of copper is approximately 2,110,000,000 lb., of which the
United States produces 60 per cent., Europe 13 per cent., Canada
and Mexico 8 per cent., South America and Cuba 7 per cent.,
and all other countries 12 per cent. In 1913 the United States
consumed about 41 per cent, of the world's output of copper or
about 65 per cent, of her production from native ores.

Reports on the troubles of electric railway companies during
1915, as compiled by the Electric Railway Journal show that
nineteen electric railways, the largest number since 191 1, were
sold on foreclosure. The figures for these railways as given
were: total stocks outstanding $30,508,817, total funded debt
$16,759,997, total track mileage 308.

Consideration of these figures shows a total capitalization for
these unfortunate nineteen railways of $47,2^8,814. Dividing this
sum by 308 gives a little over $153,400 per mile. Has this figure
anything to do with the fact that these railways succumbed?

The Connor's Creek plant of the Detroit Edison Company,
which is one of the latest and most highly developed generating
stations in the country reports that for the six months ending
with November the station delivered an average of 9,000,000
kw.-hrs. per month to the transmission system at a coal con-
sumption of 1.47 lbs. per kw.-hr. The maximum load was given
as 20,000 kw., showing a monthly load factor of 66 per cent.

The coal used was from the West Virgina fields, averaging
13,606 B.t.u. per lb. and from $2.20 to $2.40 per short ton, f.o.b.
station.

This makes fuel cost of the kilowatt-hours delivered outside
the plant of from 1.6 to 1.76 mills. It would be interesting to
know if this figure has ever been surpassed by any of the large
producers. So far as we have observed it is a record.

El«sSra<Bftl Mmf erflal Jkihmm©am§ fisa C©s£

Prices of generators, motors, rotaries, transformers and other
similar electrical equipment are beginning to move upward, many
manufacturers having already made an advance of 10 per cent.
This, from all indications, is only the initial step in greater
advances to come shortly, due to increases in cost of material
and labor. Those well informed expect a rise in prices of about
25 per cent, before many months have passed.

Steel is hard to get, copper has been steadily increasing in
price, and labor is restive in spite of higher wages and shorter
working hours. Moreover, there is a demand for better deliver-
ies on top of depleted stocks, so that conditions are ripe for a
rising market. On the other hand, manufacturers claim that for
some years now the profits have not been remunerative but
have dwindled away almost to the vanishing point. In view
of the present high prices for all raw materials and the difficulty
in obtaining them even at these prices, and considering also the
demands of labor for better wages and fewer working hours
and ever-threatening labor strikes, it is impossible, it is stated,
to continue the old prices and still leave a profit.

There has also been an advance in wire and cable, which has
been caused almost entirely by the increasing price of copper.

A project to construct a great illuminating plant at Niagara
to flood-light the Falls at night has been under consideration
for some time. In the autumn of 1907 somewhat over a million
candlepower were turned on the Falls for a few weeks, and
the magnificent spectacle presented has never been forgotten.

It is now proposed to purchase the forty-eight great reflectors
used in lighting of the Panama-Pacific Exposition at San Fran-
cisco and install them permanently at the Falls.

Apparatus to transform 12,000-volt alternating current to 125-
volt direct-current is necessary. The projectors operate at
1 10-125 volts direct current and take no amperes each. The total
power required for the installation is about six hundred kilowatts,
or eight hundred horsepower. The Falls could be illuminated
from one point, but the best results are secured from two sta-
tions, and hence a gorge battery and a hill battery will be
erected, and houses for each will be built. The cost of the
entire installation may run from seventy-five thousand dollars
to one hundred thousand dollars, and the annual cost of opera-
tion and maintenance would be in the neighborhood of seven
thousand dollars.

The money is to be raised through appropriations made by
the cities of Niagara Falls, New York and Niagara Falls, On-
tario and by private subscription.

♦ ♦*♦ <*

»© ®mm TsaffMae

The well-known advantages of the steam turbine over the
reciprocating engine of the same size; the greater simplicity,
the even turning moment, the enormous saving in size, weight
and cost are just as true of the gas turbine. Much ingenuity
and many costly experiments have been devoted to turning
out a gas turbine that would really run.

Some idea of the field that is waiting for this device may be
grasped from the fact that a gas turbine should have less than
one-fourth of the weight and size of a gas engine of equal power
and occupy one-third of the space. Imagine the possibilities for
automobiles alone in connection with electric drive transmission.

The power plant of the future self-moving vehicle, where not
operated by a storage battery, will consist of a high-speed gas-
oline or alcohol turbine with a built-in electric generator, making
a unit that can replace the battery as a motive power.

Some years ago a very simple device, brought out in Paris,
consisting of a single pear-shaped combustion chamber, and a
projecting pipe and nozzle that expelled the exhaust against the
buckets of an encircling wheel, somewhat like a De Laval steam
turbine ran at 10,000 r.p.m. with an economy in gasoline, compar-
able to that of the old Lenoir gas engine of the vintage of the
sixties.

Now we are told that the gas turbine problem is on the
eve of solution and that a machine of 1,000 hp. was built in
Germany in 1914. This machine had ten combustion chambers,
each equipped with entry valves for air and gas. It was compli-
cated with auxiliary fan, air and gas pumps, but at that it
would be no worse than the larger steam turbines. These auxil-
iaries were operated from steam produced by the turbine ex-
haust.

No figures were given as to the economy reached and it is
said that valve troubles interfered with satisfactory operations.
Efforts are being made to obtain more detailed information as
to what has been done to improve it. When the war is over
it is certain that some surprising advances in invention and con-
struction are going to come to light, both in Germany and among
the Allies.

♦ ♦> ♦*♦

The total available water-power of the United States ex-
cluding Alaska is said to be 28 million, of which 7 million afe
already utilized.

It is not generally known that silver bars, if heated to 130
degrees C and kept in a strong magnetic field become perman -
ei.tly magnetized.

ELECTRICAL AGE

February, 1916

J&m^M(B Mnua© Aisap<sf@

Andre Marie Ampere, whose name was given to the unit for
measuring the strength of electric currents, was born near
Lyons in France, January 22, 1775. His father was a small
merchant who earned a comfortable living for his family and
was highly esteemed.

Not long after his birth his parents gave up business and re-
tired to a little place in the country. Here young Ampere grew
up and soon showed evidences of a wonderfully active mind.
His memory was marvellous and it is said that when he reached
an advanced age he was able to quote long passages from books
he had devoured when a boy of thirteen. Back in those youth-
ful days he had set himself about reading a twenty-volume
encyclopedia. Everything was grist that came to his mental mill,
mental mill.

As he grew into boyhood, he became more precocious, and
his passion for learning was so great that his mind soon out-
grew the ample family library. His continued neglect of exer-
cise and companionship of boys of his own age soon undermind-
ed his health, and he was forced to forego his beloved studies.

■

ORE MARIE. AMPERE

He inherited a small income from his father and for some
years supplemented it by giving private lessons in mathematics,
physics and Latin in Lyons. One summer evening, walking in
the country along a brook, he met the young lady who after-
ward became his wife. They were married in 1799. Before
long, Ampere was appointed professor of physics at Bourg. In
1804 he became professor of mathematics in the Lyceum at
Lyons. In the same year his wife died, leaving an infant son
who later became distinguished as a writer.

Ampere now became more of a student than ever and in 1809
his reputation as a scientist was such that he was elected pro-
fessor of mathematics at the famous Polytechnic school in
Paris.

Here he wrote important papers on electricity, magnetism,
light and sound and in 1814 became a member of the Institute
erf France — the supreme honor of French scholarship. Ampere's
great work in electrical science was in showing the connection
between electricity and magnetism, and inventing the electro-
magnetic theory of magnetism!

The brilliant discovery of another distinguished scientist was

what led him to turn his attention to this particular question.
There seems no doubt that, up to this time, he thought electric
and magnetic action were due to causes in no way related.

The Danish scientist, Oersted was the man who first showed
that such a relation existed. An ardent student and experi-
menter with Volta's battery, he was, one day, lecturing to his
class in Copenhagen when, by one of those inspirations that
have so often caused the great discoveries of the past, he said:
"Gentlemen, if there is a relation between these forces of na-
ture, the magnetic needle should be affected by an electric cur-
rent. Let us try it."

Thus saying, he took up a small compass and, when the needle
had come to rest, he held a conductor above it and closed the bat-
tery circuit. Instantly the needle swung around, striving to
place itself across the wire. The professor was so overjoyed
that he at once gave his class a holiday. This was July 20,
1820.

By noon, the next day it was announced that an electric cur-
rent passing through a wire, held above and parallel to a
magnetic needle, would cause the needle to swerve east or west
according to the direction of the current in the wire.

This discovery, which lies at the root of most of the tele-
graphic and telephonic instruments of to-day, as well as of
all the electric generators and motors now doing the work of the
world, reached Paris and Ampere on the nth of September.
The experiment was repeated bofore the Academy of Sciences.

Just seven days later, Ampere announced to the Academy a
still more important discovery, namely, that ''two parallel con-
ducting wires attract each other magnetically when electric cur-
rents flow along them in the same direction and repel each other
when the currents are in opposite direction."

He also announced that iron filing's were attracted by a cur-
rent carrying conductor just the same, as by an ordinary mag-
net; that a common sewing needle' could be magnetized by the
action of the current, and last, but not least, that the coiled or
spiral form of the wire produced the strongest magnetizing
force.

These basic, practical discoveries were followed up by even
more important work in the realm of theory. Seizing on the
facts as shown by experiment, Ampere's eager mind was not
long in working out a mathematical theory of electric currents
and magnetism. His papers and lectures on these subjects form-
ed the basis on which the genius of later men built up, gradu-
ally, the electromagnet, the theory of electric induction, the
generator, or dynamo, and the electric motor.

These epoch-making discoveries in the new field were hailed
everywhere by the world's ever-increasing brotherhood of sci-
ence, and Ampere soon came to be acknowledged as the leading
light of his time in electrical work. He was honored as such
by most of the scientists of Europe.

He lived for a long time to enjoy his honors. He was noted
for his simplicity, his piety and broadmindedness. Kindly and
genial, he was never more pleased than when he was helping
young men. He was greatly beloved by all who knew him.

He was greatly interested in the struggle of the South Ameri-
can countries for liberty and kept open house for patriots from
those countries in Paris. He died, universally regretted, in his
62nd year at Marseilles, June 10, 1836.

Ampere's experiments and theories on electric currents and
their reactions and magnetic effects rendered it almost in-
evitable that when the International Electrical Congress in
1881 came to give a name to the unit of measurement for these
currents, the kindly French philosopher was the one to be so
honored. Most of the early devices for measuring electric cur-
rents and nearly all those in use to-day, were based on the
magnetic effects of the current which he was among the first
to discover and to attempt to explain.

LurJ

P (£0

(5 ©:Mir&©t£®5r aonfl (S^mtis'&Il USanifiasa

The growing tendency toward cooperation between
the central station and contractors is a good sign. It
argues well, not only for the two classes of interest di-
rectly affected, but for the entire electrical industry.
Lincoln said : "A house divided against itself cannot
stand." While there is rarely an open breach between
the lighting company and the electrical contractors in
any community, nevertheless there is often to be de-
tected a strained relation which sometimes needs but
a few malicious words to fan it into expressions of
grievance or hostility.

This is not as it should be. There are always per-
sons who are willing to foster contention and strife,
in the foolish hope that some benefit will redound to
themselves. The central station men and the master
electrical contractors who are wise have come to rec-
ognize this fact and draw closer in bonds of mutual in-
terest.

Every industry should study the subject of the pub-
lic sentiment toward itself. If a healthy regard and
estimation of the industry exists in a community, that
industry may well congratulate itself. If, on the other
hand, a feeling is prevalent that one branch of the in-
dustry is seeking to "put it over" on another branch,
or feels that the other fellow is getting the lion's share
of the fruits of enterprise and toil, then one may be
sure that the whole structure is not so strong and
virile as it ought to be.

Sharp competition for wiring contracts, between the
lighting company and the local contractors, is a fruit-
ful source of such unpleasantnesses as we have alluded
to. There may be conditions where a fair and free
contest for this sort of work is justifiable. But we can
appreciate that in many cases the situation is some-
thing like this : the central station is strong and ag-
gressive; it is impatient to procure more and more
lighting business ; it finds the contractors unprepared,
for reasons of lack of financial backing or want of
initiative, to prosecute a vigorous wiring campaign.
Hence the lighting company decides to actively solicit
and secure the business. In doing so, it thrusts aside
the contractor. He is peeved and cries out against
the ruthlessness of the heartless corporation. A body
of public opinion is created thereby that becomes dis-
tinctly disadvantageous to the central station.

Who, then, is the gainer in the long run? In a ma-
jority of cases, neither. The lighing company will fail
to get contracts that might otherwise be procured,
while the contractors gain nothing, except perhaps
popular sympathy — a rather empty recompense.

The better way, pointed out by the action of many
of the most progressive central-station companies, is a
plan by which all contracts are executed by contrac-
tors, on standard specifications and at unit prices, with

the lighting company financing the work in cases
where the customer wishes to meet the cost of the in-
stallation in partial payments.

By this plan, the traditional friction between the
contractor and the lighting company will soon cease
to be even a memory.

4$» H$> .$

The English have not played a very prominent part
in the invention and perfection of the incandescent
lamp. It is, therefore, the more notable that the latest
improvement in high candlepower lighting comes
from the laboratory of an English firm. Elsewhere
we give a description of the lamp which shows great
ingenuity in reaching complex results by simple means.
It will be noted that it consists essentially of an arc
between tungsten and carbon electrodes in a nitrogen
bulb. The tungsten is in the form of a small ball and
the carbon, mixed to a certain extent with rare earths
in order to increase its ionizing power, is in the form
of a thick filament.

The striking feature of- the lamp is that the elec-
trodes do not have to be brought into contact to start
the arc. The warming up of the filament causes it to
give forth enough of ions to render the space between
it and the tungsten ball sufficiently conducting to car-
ry the current. Nearly all the light comes from the
tungsten ball, as the carbon is hardly heated to more
than a dull red at any point.

The practical interest of the lamp is that it shows
an efficiency of half a watt to the candlepower, and, at
over-voltages even less than .4 of a watt. It does not
heat as much as the nitrogen-filled lamp of the same
candlepower and operates in a smaller bulb. The
lengthening of the useful life, which as yet is not much
over 500 hours, will doubtless come with increased re-
finement of construction. The fact that, although the
lamp is already operating on alternating as well as di-
rect-current circuits, it is only intended for the pres-
ent to exploit it commercially for direct-current work,
indicates that there is still a good deal to be done to
perfect it.

The movement among the large lighting and pow-
er companies to encourage the purchase of their
stocks by their employes and customers is as salutary
for the latter as for the former. The fact is that there
are few classes of investments that are comparable to
electric light and power for stable and constantly
growing earnings.

ELECTRICAL AGE

February, 1916

There's a reason. One of the country's captains of
industry recently remarked, "As great rivers have af-
fected population or railroad trunk lines have' marked
out the courses of industrial growth, so is the seaming
of the country with distribution lines of electrical
energy for the spread of cheap power, affecting our fu-
ture growth."

This is strictly true. Everywhere the spread of
electric power and light has reached into the homes
and roots of community life, with the resultant stimu-
lation of business prosperity and comfort. In brief, it
has become essential to the civilization of to-day. Its
use, and consequently, the earnings of the electric
companies supplying it, are based on the actual neces-
sities of the people.

If electric service were cut off in one of our great
centers, the very pulse of industrial life would stop.
Social and economic activity and development would
be at a standstill. The service given is of such a na-
ture that it has become vital. It is paid for before al-
most any other commodity. It is said that the aver-
age citizen of to-day spends more money for his elec-
tric services than for his daily bread, and these are
paid for monthly. They are paid in advance of almost
any others.

All this penetration of electric service into the foun-
dations of living is the underlying cause of the sur-
prising steadiness of the electric utilities as money
earners — in the light and power business. This is eas-
ily proven by statistics. Such statistics, sometimes
worked up in the form of curves, are constantly being
published by those who are interested in marketing
electric securities. The records show that next to
banking, electric light and power form one of the
soundest and strongest investments. It and the bank-
ing industry are almost the only ones that have not
shown a single year of decrease in the last thirty
years, which practically covers the life of all light
and power companies in existence.

Panic years merely check the growth — never turn
it into a decline. Where earnings from railroads,
mines, industrial and even electric railways show a
positive decrease over previous years, electric light
and power properties merely show lessened excess
earnings.

Measured by proportions of investment in the hands
of receivers former figures have shown that for every
$100 in securities outstanding, the amounts in receiv-
ership are :

National banks $0.32

Electric light and power properties 0.37

Railroads 1.87

Industrials 2.04

Late figures would undoubtedly show an increase in
the proportionate safety of the electric utilities :

Put another way : Last year the earnings of the
four classes showed :

Banking increase ,. . . 6.2%

Electric light and power properties increase 4.9%

Railroads decrease 4.6%

Industrials decrease 18.9%

Why?

There are many reasons. These companies have not
been so subject to labor troubles as have railroads,

traction companies and industrials, for they are not
large users of labor and what labor they do use is gen-
erally high class. They escape injurious Federal leg-
islation and governmental attack for, as a rule, they
are not interested concerns. They have the protection
and regulation of the Public Service Commission,
which now exists in forty-five States. This regulation
is usually used for the best interests of the investor as
well as the public.

Thirty years ago $50,000,000 represented the invest-
ment in electrics ; to-day electric power companies are
using over $6,000,000,000 of the public's money. This
phenomenal growth has been so rapid that their se-
curities have had but little opportunity to become en-
trenched in the public's favor. The demand of $6,000,-
000,000 by a single industry, the largest portion being
called for during the last ten years, is without pre-
cedent. Three is nothing philanthropical about the
high rates of interest these electrical utilities pay. It's
a matter of supply and demand. However, these con-
ditions are rapidly changing, but while they last it is
the investor's opportunity.

If it is true that the ability of any corporation to
pay its obligations or obtain further credit is gener-
ally based upon earning power at the time its obliga-
tions become due, then electrical utility companies
are in an enviable position, as their earnings depend
upon the lives of the population; while the earning
power of a railroad or industrial depends upon current
and general prosperity. Cities will still have to be
lighted and electricity used, no matter what the future
holds for railroads, individuals or the private business
of individuals. This is a point which seems to have
been given but slight attention by the investing pub-
lic, and surely the record of some of our railroads and
industrials makes it obvious the point is one well tak-
en.

From records, extending now over the best part of
a life time, the electric utilities are shown to present
a maximum of yield with a minimum of investment
risk. While, like all other human concerns, they are
dependent upon honest and skillful management, they
do seem to offer about the most desirable characteris-
tics as a class of any line and, therefore, we believe,
the public as well as the companies are well benefited
in the improvement for local ownership of the securi-
ties. It is a wise idea. More power to it.

The efforts to put the retailing of electrical energy
on a strictly fair and logical basis are evidenced by
the close study of all the factors that enter' into the fix-
ing of rates. Of all classes of load the residence class
is one of the most vitally concerned in the just solu-
tion of this much discussed question.

On another page we give the result of a systematic
effort to determine from actual observation, the de-
mand and diversity factors in the case of both resi-
dence and general commercial loads. The effort to es-
tablish a rate for electrical power completely adjust-
ed to diversity will never be successful. The problem
is very similar to the familiar one of freight rates and
will tend to come finally to the same solution.

February, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

i^llfi J^CQMimci Iflhd W©sM

Electrical Flashes From Beyond Our Horizon

The Imperial Technical Laboratory of Germany has con-
structed a 10,000-volt direct-current generator for experimental
work. It consists of two double-commutator machines so that
there are four commutators, each of 2,500 volts. The voltage
between bars is no higher than usual, there being 212 bars to the
commutator. The greatest difficulty was found in insulating
the armature windings from the iron. By the use of the best
materials, using mica for a base, a sufficiently good insulation
was finally obtained. The single coils were tested to 22,000
volts and the finished armature to 20,000 volts alternating. The
commutation proved to be sparkless up to 50 per cent, overload.
* 4> ♦

2safte?sa&ftii®isi8il 1B1L®<&&t&<&$$.

trie light shall be used, except at church, hospital,
railway station and dock.
(4) Only bad lighting can be expected from 6 to 12 p. m.
♦ ♦ *

A cable has lately been laid under the Skagerack to transmit
electric power from Helsingborg in Sweden to Elsinore in Den-
mark, a distance of about ten miles. This power comes from
water falls in southern Sweden and it is expected shortly to
transmit 5,000 horsepower.

* ♦ *

EST ©rwagaaiai Wntds* PuDweff I©®wdll©psm<iiat£

Plans for the erection of a 27,000-horsepower hydraulic elec-
tric plant at the Saude Falls in Norway are about completed.
Later it is expected to install three other plants lower down
on the same river, which comprise two of 12,000 horsepower and
one of 45,000 horsepower, making a total development of 96,000
horsepower on this one stream. Most of this is to be used in
the manufacture of nitrates.

♦ ♦*♦ ♦*♦

When steam power is used in China, along the seaboard,
coal can be purchased from Japanese or Chinese mines at prices
from $2.50 to $3.50 a ton at the factory. In the city of Shanghai,
electric power generated by the municipal plant is sold for man-
ufacturing purposes at a charge of J/j to J/2 cent per kilowatt-
hour. When hand power is used in manufacturing, wages per
day of twelve hours run from 10 to 12 cents ; with children at
5 and 6 cents a day; and there are no restrictive laws in ref-
erence to hours of employment or employment of children.

♦ <* ♦

3Lai?sjsst Sa3a3?®p@am Utemfp Mmtt^w^

What is said to be the largest storage battery in Europe has
lately been installed in the Dickenson St. station of the Man-
chester (England) corporation's power system. This battery,
which comprises 210 cells, weighs 630 tons, has voltage of from
400 to 450, and is rated at 11,000 amperes, when discharged in
three hours. The five-minute discharge rating is 15,000 am-
peres.

* ♦ ♦

Elects1!® Service Unci®!" ©alMcgiiltaes

Due to an unprecedentedly dry autumn in Norway the lack
of the usual amount of water-generated electric power has
caused much difficulty in maintaining anything like a normal
service. Following are some of the drastic restrictions in the
use of electricity approved by the city council of a town lying
far up on the 59th parallel which has only about seven hours
of day light in mid-winter :

(1) The use of electric light from 8:30 a. m. to 4 p. m.

is forbidden.

(2) The use of electric light for advertising or window

display is forbidden.

(3) From midnight Saturday to 4 p. m. Sunday no elec-

regs ©2 JSHdcSsiciiR MasiimSa<stoffflgag
fisa Japaim

Our watchful government through one of its commerce re-
ports gives some enlightening information as to the present
state of the manufacture of electrical machinery and supplies
in the Island Empire :

"The electrical supplies industry in Japan has grown to a re-
markable extent in the 25 years of its existence, and the country
is no longer dependent upon foreign countries to supply its needs.

"Efficient moderate size motors and generators up to 100 horse-
power are manufactured at moderate prices. The small sizes
of motors up to 10 horsepower are made in large quantities,
and comparatively cheap, and the export prices would compare
favorably with those of European factories. Transformers
are turned out at low prices and of good efficiency, but the iron
sheets are in nearly all instances imported.

"In electrical conductors, Japan is in a position to compete
with the United States and Europe in quality and price as it is
a large producer of copper and silk, and its spinning and
textile industries are well developed. Japan also has the
advantage of cheap water power and labor.

CABLES, SWITCHES AND METALLIC FILAMENT LAMPS

"With the exception of submarine telegraph cable the former
large import of insulated conductors has entirely ceased. All
classes of electric lighting and power cables, rubber and paper
insulated for high or low tension, are made to any specification;
flexible silk cords, all types of telephone cable, military and
naval cables, are well made in large quantities in well laid-out
factories and under expert and scientific supervision. Por-
celain insulators and porcelain ware and glassware for all
purposes are largely exported. Brass work, switches, lamp
holders, and cutouts, although perhaps not quite as good as the
best European fashion, are at low prices and good.

Metallic filament lamps are made in large quantities, but
practically all the producing factories are controlled by a mon-
opoly which controls the export trade. This may be overcome
in the near future, as lamps made under other patents are re-
ported to be shortly coming into the market.

OTHER ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES

"Switchboards, instruments, and meters are still imported where
high-class work is required, but for ordinary use the Japanese-
made article meets the requirements at half the price of the
imported goods. The same may be said about laboratory test-
ing instruments and telegraph instruments, the native-made ar-
ticles improving all the time and the imported goods being
gradually superseded.

"In telephones Japan is not only self-supporting, but is doing a
considerable export trade to its near neighbors.

"All the various electrical accessories are now being manu-
factured by small Japanese factories. Electric fans, torches,
bells, batteries, devices of every kind as used in Europe and
America are obtainable at prices often lower than they can be
produced in Western countries.

"The prospects for the electrical manufacturing industries
in Japan are good, but the foreign buyers must bear in mind
that the reputation of the Japanese manufacturer is not yet
established, and that, therefore, it would be best for them to carry
on their business through reliable agents only. Japanese in the
electrical . industrial trade are not as yet acquainted with the
export trade and have no catalogues of their manufactures."

We suggest that the American manufacturer should not place
any too great reliance on the state of affairs outlined in the last
sentence continuing for any great length of time.

ELECTRICAL AGE

February, 1916

Profit Uliaring hf In w wmic®

One of the largest motor manufacturers in the country has de-
vised the following useful method of sharing prosperity with its
employees. At the close of the year each one received the fol-
lowing announcement :

"The officials of your company desire to show in a substan-
tial way, their appreciation of the services rendered by all who
have been connected with the company during the year.

It was felt that the one thing the company could do which
would insure the most lasting benefit, would be to make some
provision for the future of the families of its employees. Ac-
cordingly, a life insurance policy has been taken out by the
company for every employee.

This policy is paid for by the company and all annual prem-
iums will also be paid by the company as long as the employee
is connected with The Robbins & Myers Company.

The amount of the policy increases with the length of time of
your service as follows :

One year or less $500.00

One year and under two 600.00

Two years and under three.... 700.00
Three years and under four.... 800.00

Four years and under five 900.00

Five years and over 1,000.00

Aso soon as each employee's service brings him from one
class into another, as per the schedule above, his insurance is
increased automatically.

It is understood of course, that in case an employee leaves the
company at any time, the policy is canceled.

The policy takes effect Christmas day, and your certificate
will be delivered to you on January 1st.

This protection is extended you by The Robbins & Meyers
Company with Company Officials' best wishes for a Very Merry
Christmas."

A similar method of profit sharing has been adopted by the
Nevada-California Powder Co. which took out a policy of $1,000
for each employee, and also established a fund for sick and ac-
cident benefits in cases not arising out of the nature of their
employment.

This means that the benefits to be had from the use of this
fund are entirely separate from the benefits conferred by the
Nevada Industrial Insurance act and by the Workingmen's
Safety and Insurance act of California. The amount of this
benefit is limited in each case to $250.

These plans for increasing the comfort, safety and wellbeing
of their employees are well worthy of careful consideration by
many other companies.

* ♦ *>

llhas'tufj Prosperity

The Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Company, Milwaukee,
Wis., recently mailed checks to its office employees whose sal-
eries were cut a year ago owing to adverse business conditions.
About 1,000 men received checks which were for sums equivalent
to the wages lost as a result of the cut. In a letter accompany-
ing each check President Otto Falk said : "In the early part of
this year business conditions with our company were so unsat-
isfactory that a reduction was made in your salary. The im-
provement has been such that it has been decided to reimburse
this reduction to our present employees."

^fr **$*■ ^

M. 1S9@@® M©2,3@p®w@r M®t®r

The new addition to the steel plant of the Inland Steel Com-
pany at Indiana Harbor, Ind., which is now in course of erection
will have electric drive throughout, including the main rolls,
and the electric equipment will include many new features. The
new part will comprise open-hearth furnaces, blooming and fin-
ishing mills.

The motor for the 40-inch reversing blooming mill will be
a direct-current machine rated at 15,000 horsepower and receiving

its power from the generator of a fly-wheel motor-generator set.
The control of the motor will be through the voltage of the
generator supplying it.

The structural mill consists of one 32-inch reversing roughing
mill, and one 28-inch finishing mill of three three-high rolls.
Each mill is driven by an 8,000-horsepower direct-connected,
direct-current motor and the scheme of control is the same as
mentioned for the blooming mill. One flywheel motor-gen-
erator set with a generator unit for each motor supplies the
power for the mills and by a special system of control and de-
sign of apparatus, the power taken from the line is equalized
to practically a constant load with variations of not more than
10 per cent, plus or minus, although the load on the mill
motors will vary from several thousand horsepower in the op-
posited direction several times a minute.

Energy for the auxiliaries, most of which are direct-current
drive, is to be supplied from the two 1,000-kilowatt synchronous
motor-generator sets.

The electrical equipment for this mill is one of the largest
ever laid out and will cost close to $1,000,000. It is being sup-
plied by Westinghouse Electric & Mfg. Co., East Pittsburgh, Pa.

In certain parts of the world, favored with high-head water-
power and cheap skilled labor, water generated electric power
is so cheap that it is being contracted for in large quantities
at as low as $5 per horse-power-year. It is interesting to note
that the amount of energy in a -single short ton of coal of 11,470
British thermal units per pound is just one hore-power-year. If,
therefore, we could use the energy in one ton of coal under
conditions of 100 per cent, efficincy we could run a one horsepow-
er engine a full year with it. What a field for improvement!

A- *t+ A

The enactment of Industrial Employes Compensation Laws in
eight more States is reported for the past year.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics in a bulletin covering labor
laws for the past two years shows that Colorado, Indiana, Maine,
Montana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Wyoming, be-
sides the Territories of Alaska and Hawaii. The legislation of
1914 included a presidential order providing a compensation
system for employees of the Panama Canal and the Panama
Railroad, while that of the current year includes a similar
order extending the federal compensation act of 1908 to work-
men engaged on or about the government railway in Alaska.
With the legislation of these two years, thirty-one States and
the Territories of Alaska and Hawaii now have compensation
laws. A federal statute covers also about one-fourth of the
civilian employees of the United States. All of this legislation
has been enacted since 1908, and practically all of the existing
legislation in the States since 1910.

Of the new laws of 1914 and 1915, one, that of Wyoming,
must be classed as a compulsory insurance law, while those of
Maryland and Oklahoma are compulsory compensation laws. In
other States, eight in number, the law permits the employer to
elect or reject the compensation act. In case he rejects it, how-
ever, he is deprived of the customary defenses under the liability
laws.

*■ * *

The Pennsylvania Public Service Commission has refused to
reopen an order denying a charter to the South Lebanon Elec-
tric Company, thus establishing a precedent for public service
corporations in the State. The commission, according to the
order, cannot limit corporate powers as suggested by the at-
torneys for the company; neither will it grant charter rights
where the community is already being adequately served by an
existing company. This decision is in line with the well-estab-
lished principle that useless competition should not be permitted
to set up where the public service is under State regulation.

©Well? ^fDIEililKgiifili®

^\, 3Hd(g®iM ©2 !lftEi©<s<3SSiM 3Pffa©ftfl©<8 aaadl ^©ffraall !@2S!@<siriL$sii<s@s ©2 IPsmsftiisaE Hfesia

By G. B. McNair

Nearly all the larger central stations of this country maintain
testing departments of their own in which all the apparatus and
some of the material purchased by the company is tested before
being accepted. Also comparison tests are made to determine
which of the several articles of the same kind shows the best
performance characteristics.

Due to this, the central stations naturally divide into three
classes, as seen by the manufacturer ; viz., (A) those that have
completely equipped testing departments, and test all apparatus ;
(B) those that make occasional tests, and (C) those that make
no tests. Under such circumstances, it is obvious that those in
class A will always be given apparatus up to guarantee, or better ;
those in class B. apparatus which is not quite good enough for
A; and class C — what is left.

Take the case of pole type transformers. There is no piece
of electrical apparatus over which there has been so much fighting
for a reduction of losses, and very justly so, although some
people are disposed to magnify the importance of low losses, even
to the extent of sacrificing equally desirable characteristics.
In the case of the 15 kva. size, the core loss is usually about
43 watts. The manufacturers guarantee usually is that the
average core loss of a lot of transformers of this, or any other,
size will not depart more than a certain percent from that speci-
fide. Due to manufacturing conditions, there will be numerous
transformers come through which will have 44, 46, or oven 48
watts core loss. Also there will be some which will have 41 or 42
watts. These latter will naturally be fewer because 43 watts
represents about the best that can be done, on the average, with
the silicon steel now in use, without at the same time increasing
the copper loss. Special low loss transformers can be built but
usually not without unduly increasing the cost, so that they could
not be sold at our present prices.

In the natural course of events, then, the 42, 43, and 44 watt
transformers would be shipped to class A, the 46 watt to class B,
and the rest to class C. The copper loss of all these transformers
would be nearly the same so the grading would be done mostly
on a core loss basis.

The small station, however, cannot maintain an extensive test-
ing department. It is possible, however, to rig up apparatus for
a few simple tests which will not involve great expense, and will
always enable the central station manager to make a test when
he wants to, thereby putting him in class B.

As has been said, the core loss is what he wants to know most.
For this, he needs (a) a 0-150 voltmeter, (b) a 0-300 wattmeter,
having a 3 amp. current coil, and a 130 volt pressure coil, (c)
a slip ring induction motor, preferably two phase. This may be
any size over 3 HP, and wound for any voltage, though 220 is
preferable. The motor is used as an induction regulator, and its
usefulness as a motor is in no way impaired, though, of course,
it cannot be used for both purposes at once. Fit a paper pulley
to the motor shaft, and nail a board on this for a handle to

permit rotating the armature through 180 degrees. Connect the
apparatus as shown in Fig. 1, and you have a source of variable
voltage permitting very exact adjustment. If a two-phase motor
is used the other phase should be shortcircuited, as this neutral-
izes the cross magnetizing armature ampere turns and makes
the voltage regulation better. However, a three-phase motor will
do nearly as well.

■^f no v.

W= Wattmeter
V = Voltmeter
A = Ammeter

Fig. 1 — Arrangement of apparatus for core loss test

The combined loss in the pressure coils of the voltmeter and
wattmeter must be determined for the voltage at which measure-
ments are to be made. This can most easily be done by removing
the transformer from the leads leaving the pressure wires
r-.ttached to the current leads. The voltage is then adjusted by
turning the motor till the desired pressure is obtained, and the
combined loss read off on the wattmeter. Also it can be calcu-
lated where the resistance of the two pressure coils are known
by the following:

. Ea E»
Wt = +

R* Rw

where Wt is the total pressure coil loss, and E the voltage im-
pressed, RT and Rw are the two resistances*

This value of Wt must always be subtracted from the reading
on a transformer. Also note that Wt is different for every value
of voltage. However, once measured for, say, no volts, no
further measurement is necessary at that voltage.

If it is desired to check the copper loss with these same instru-
ments, short circuit the secondary, and attach leads to primary.

Fig. 2 — Arrangement for copper loss test

K.V.A.

Adjust voltage till current equals where Ei is the line

E,
voltage used, usually 2200 volts. This necessitates the use of an

ELECTRICAL AGE

February, 19 16

ammeter of appropriate range which is not needed for the core
loss test. (See Fig. 2.)

The copper loss, by this method, will be higher than that given
by the manufacturer because he figures it from PR, where R is
the ohmic resistance measured with direct current.

It is often convenient to have some source of fairly h'gh volt-
age for testing transformers. Such a test might be desired on a
transformer suspected of being broken down. This may easily
be accomplished as shown below :

occurs, the operator does not have to rely on being able to
distinguish the sound of a particular bell, but merely glances

Fig. 3 — Arrangement for insulation test
The diagram represents three potential transformers with their

secondaries connected in parallel, and their primaries in series.

The test voltage would then be approximately 60 times that read

on the voltmeter.
This arrangement may also be used to test the insulation of

station wiring of small extent. It is not satisfactory for accurate

work in cable or long feeder testing, on account of the condenser

effect whch tends to produce a leading current, and an attendant

rise in voltage.
All these pieces of apparatus, except the meters, are such as

might already be owned by the central station, but temporarily

not in use.

♦ * *

Not so very long ago the substation operator had to rely on
his power of hearing allied with careful watching to detect any
interruption to the service as in the case of an oil switch or
breaker tripping out. The first real aid to the operator came
with the introduction of alarm bells and this scheme is now
quite prevalent in substations. As equipment was added, addi-
tional bells were used until the time was reached when the bells
served more to confuse than to help. These bells were in-
audible in some portions of the station due to noisy apparatus
and the trouble could not always be easily located. To give
further help to the operator especially with the idea of eliminat-
ing confusion, a signal system has found use in several com-
panies.

Pi tot light on Panel

Signal Bell

Lights in Sign

Oil Sw, Contacts
Oil Stv. lever separates
contacts when -
Sw. Is closed

Two I Pole
Snap A Switch

110 Volts
D.C.

Scheme for use with oil switch
This system consists of a signal or indicator board which
may be placed midway and above the switchboard so as to
be visible from all parts of the station. The board is divided
into sections each bearing a legend and lighted by the closing
of contacts on the apparatus which causes the trouble. For
instance, if a line from a power station trips out, the compart-
ment labelled "high tension" lights up. If a breaker trips out
"railway" or "commercial power" will light up. Now if trouble

Circuit Breaker
Alarm Contacts

S.P Snap
Switches

Contact Bus

Qti

L ights in Sign Signal Bell

110 Volts
D.C

Scheme for use with circuit-breaker

up at the indicator and instantly is aware of the location of
the trouble. A number of bells may be placed about the station
so as to insure attracting attention. The board has other uses
as for instance the calling of the operator and electrician in
large substations. In subtations where air blast transformers
are used, in place of depending on the waving of flags and like
signals as indicators of the air blast being on, an air pressure
relay may be used so arranges as to light the indicator and
ring the bell if the blowers should inadvertently stop. This
would also happen if the operator neglected to start the blow-
ers. Other uses may be devised as the service demands.

Arrangement of indicator

The current is supplied from the storage battery which also
supplies the control system. The general scheme is shown in
the illustrations. Where several pieces of control apparatus
are used relays may be introduced to ring the bells and light up
the indicator. Snap switches are provided on the panels so
that the device can be cut out of service as the need arises.
These switches are also a great boon to the short operator who
has to run for his little stool every time a circuit breaker alarm
button has to be reset.

The system may be elaborated by the introduction of a pilot
light over each switch which lights when that particular switch
opens and which greatly help to determine the faulty feeder.

Henry A. Cozzens, Jr.

February, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

■li^&tMS^^ t

The electric vehicle is fast entering into all walks of life,
commercial, professional and social. The electric vehicle is
very advantageous from the view point of the central station
company because the charging of them constitutes a steady load,
which may be supplied during the off-peak period where desired,
thus enabling the greatest advantage to be obtained from the in-
vestment in copper, electrical machinery, etc. From the users'
point of view the electric vehicle is for. many purposes superior
to the gasolene propelled vehicle, not to mention the horse drawn
vehicle, because it costs less and requires less skilled attention
for operation and maintainance, and the insurance rates and the
depreciation are lower.

There are various ways in which electric vehicles are cared
for, sometimes completely by the owner himself, sometimes the
owner charging his batteries and merely sending the car ou' for
periodic inspection and overhauling. There are many ad-
vantages in charging the batteries oneself, sending the car
out for overhauling at definite intervals. Electric vehicles are
now in use from the small electric brougham or the delivery
wagon of a few hundred pounds to the wagons of several tons
and the teams of a hundred wagons and more of some of the
large departmental stores. The large user will in all cases have
a garage and a staff of cleaners and repair men ; but on the
other hand the owner of a single car will not have all the space
and facilities at his disposal that the owner of many cars has,
and here the greatest economy in charging and maintainance
must be practiced if the full benefits of the electric vehicle are
to materialize. Concerning this matter of charging, one of the
questions most frequently asked of the sales engineer or the
contract manager is, "What sort of charging outfit shall I in-
stall, a mercury arc rectifier or a motor generator set?" This
question does not permit of a definite answer covering the whole
question in general, but on the other hand the question may be
divided into two or three classes and each answered inde-
pendently.

In the large garage cars come and go all the time,, although
the chief charging period is during the night hours. There are
usually one or two cars on charge during the day. In this case
a motor-generator, (a rotary converter may be preferable where
the class of labor permits because it is more efficient, costs less
and occupies less floor space) is indicated for the majority of
the charging. Mercury arc rectifiers are not as yet -built in
sizes large enough to care for such loads, and the large number

of rectifiers that would be necessary would complicate matters
as well as being expensive in first cost. The labor cost would
also in all probability be high for their attendance. It is, how-
ever, most desirable to have one or two rectifiers available in
addition to the motor-generator set or rotary converter because
they can be used at all times when the load is too light to war-
rant the use of the motor-generator, or during the peak load
period.

In the small garage of one or two cars the use of the mer-
cury arc rectifier is indicated. It operates at high efficiency at
partial loads, it is cheaper in first cost than the motor-genera-
tor, requires less floor space and less attention, there are no
moving parts and no noise. If fitted with an automatic start-
ing device, practically all rectifiers are now so fitted, the recti-
fier can be left charging during the night with the assurance that
should anything happen to the supply, on its coming on again
the rectifier will continue to charge.

In the not distant past the rectifier was not regarded with
great favor either by the average owner of the small electric
vehicle or by the men who had to do with charging batteries in
the large private or public garages. There was something un-
familiar and unsubstantial about it and its mode of operating
which they regarded as unpractical. The preference was un-
questionably for the motor-generator. It was much better known
and when anything went wrong with it was more or less easy
to repair. When the rectifier refused to work it was regarded
as hopeless. All this is now changed by the improvements made.

The mercury arc rectifier requires practically no attention,
whereas on the other hand the motor-generator or converter
should have attention available lest it should be needed; and
in any case the motor-generator will have to have its field regu-
lated from time to time during the charge as the internal re-
sistance of the battery changes with increasing charge. Where
the charging load is a rapidly increasing one it may be advisa-
ble to install mercury arc rectifiers at first until the load as-
sumes such proportion as to warrant the installation of a motor
generator set. The dividing line between rectifiers and motor
generator sets is not exactly a definit one because more than
one factor enters into the case, but roughly speaking it may be
said to be somewhere between ioo and 200 amperes according to
circumstance, the cost of energy, the total energy consumption,
and load factor.

mmmi^f IL©w-

""THERE ARE several causes for the sparking of a low-voltage
*■ generator, which apparently show the same symptoms.

First the brushes may not be composed of proper material.
The low-voltage machine usually requires a soft carbon, graphite,
or metal brush, or a combination of carbon and metal gause
with good pigtails if the brush-holder is of the box type, one
allowing the brush to slip in the holder not clamped.

The machine may be over-loaded and certainly is if the am-
meter reading is in excess of the name plate capacity. The
generator may have high mica, that is, mica extending above
the commutator bars, allowing the brushes to chatter and make
inadequate contact with the commutator for the current sup-
ply. The armature may have an open coil, however this is usu-
ally shown locally upon the communtator causing the pitting
and blackening to be of a greater extent at the commutator
where the coil leads enter than elsewhere. In a lap-wound
armature one pronounced burnt spot, and in a wave-wound
armature two burnt spots evenly spaced around the armature
indicate an open coil.

Should the generator be driven by belt with heavy lace in
belt and generator bearings be considerably worn, the ham-
mering of belt lace will cause sparking. This can be timed by
the hammer of the belt lacing. To correct these faults when
high resistance brushes without pigtails are used, replace them
with low resistance brushes and be sure to have the correct
brush size. If the machine is over loaded, reduce the load; if
an open coil develops in the armature, repair it ; if high mica or
flat bar, turn commutator true in a lathe, but if a lathe is not
convenient, take a piece of old grindstone and hold it firmly
upon the commutator until it is thoroughly cleaned and all
burnt places ground out of the commutator. Then smoothen
up with medium fine sand paper. If the brushes are not self-
lubricating, use a good grade of commutator compound to
lubricate the commutator but do not use oil or grease. Paraf-
fine would do for this purpose on machines of 250 volts or above,
but do not trust it upon low voltage machines. Examine the
belt, if one is used, to decide if repairs are required. — A. L,
Gear,

ELECTRICAL AGE

February, 191 6

A secondary voltage transformer, by which we mean a trans-
former for further reducing the ordinary secondary voltages,
is a very convenient device to have around a shop as there are
a number of practical uses to which it can be put.

Following is the design of such a transformer which was
originally intended to furnish current for operating a small
single-phase rotary converter for charging six-volt storage bat-
teries. After it was built, however, so many other uses were
found for it that the one for which it was designed repre-
sented but a small portion of its useful service.

One of the most important conditions in design is to see that
the transformer should be of such a high reactance as to enable
it to stand a good deal of short circuiting in the secondary with-
out harm to itself or without blowing the fuses in the primary
circuit. To do this, besides a liberal amount of reactance,
there should be plenty of iron and copper allowed on the pri-
mary coils.

To meet these conditions a core made of the laminated ring-
shaped stampings from the armature of an old direct-current
motor, after the teeth had been trimmed off, was found satis-
factory. The dimensions were approximately, outside diameter
9 inches; inside diameter 5->4 inches; built up to a thickness
of 1 inch. This makes a cross section of i-Hj square inches.

The laminations were clamped in a vice and covered first with
a layer of 54-inch white linen tape, then painted with an air
drying insulating varnish, then a layer of 10 mil varnished
cambric tape, lapped half, and finally a layer of webbing and
another coat of paint.

A liberal design being desired, a saturation of 70,000 lines
of force per square inch was decided on. This iron will stand
a higher saturation with corresponding less turns of wire. How-
ever the higher rate of saturation would require more magnetiz-
ing current which would heat the winding more, also the iron
would heat more.

The primary winding was calculated for 140 volts, frequency
40 cycles from the formula

4.44 A.B.n.f.

V = ■ ■ in which

io8
V=voltage, A=cross section of closed magnetic circuit in sq.
in. of iron, B=induction in lines of force per sq. in., n=no. of
turns, f=cycles per second.

Substitution gives the equation

4.44 X 1 §4 X 70,000 X n X 40

140 =

100,000,000

Solving this equation, 11=700.

Seven hundred turns are then required for primary, or five
turns per volt. This formula is a general one applicable to any
form of alternating current apparatus.

Using a table of magnet wire which may be found in any
electrical hand-book, it was found that No. 12 double-cotton

covered magnet wire would require about two and one half
layers to make 700 turns and would have ample capacity. The
same number of turns of smaller wire could be used but the
original intention was toward a liberal design and No. 12 was
therefore selected.

On account of the outside circumference being longer than
die inside, in order to make a smooth job, it was found neces-
sary to wind on eight turns and then skip a space of about
Y% inch on the outside (see Fig. 1). This space was filled in when
the next layer was wound on. Between layers a wrapping of %
inch linen tape was put on and over the finished primary wind-
ing was wrapped two layers of Y% inch linen and one layer
of webbing, lapped half.

DROPERLY proportioned interpoles will prevent sparking
* throughout a wide range of load. If a motor, for example,
is perfectly regular in the matters of field polarity, air gap
equalization, commutator condition, brush-set, brushholder posi-
tion, tension of brush springs and of shunt field condition, and
still the motor sparks, then it is in order to investigate the inter-
pole windings.

Usually there are as many interpoles as there are main poles
but among the more modern motors are those with only one
half as many interpoles as main poles. This arrangement
simplifies construction and reduces costs without sacrificing
any desirable features of design.

An inspector was called to locate the cause of the sparking

Primary Winding Fig. 2 — Secondary Winding

To secure high reactance and thus ability to stand short
circuits a large amount of magnetic leakage at full load was de-
sirable. This was secured by winding the secondary on only
one-half the core as Fig. 2. Forty turns of No. 4 double-cotton
covered magnet wire were used for the- secondary, wound in four
sections of ten turns per section giving a range of voltage of two
to eight on open circuit and a current output of 60 amperes per
section on short circuit or 240 amperes with the four sections in
parallel. Voltage on short circuit is practically nothing, rising
as the current decreases until on open circuit the full voltage
of 2 volts per section is obtained.

This transformer has been used for a new purpose nearly
every day. Its greatest use is to furnish current for testing
armatures and for soldering. By connecting the four secondary
circuits in parallel it will furnish current to solder a joint in a
No. 4 B. &. S., wire, doing a much better job than a soldering
copper besides being a much more convenient tool. With a pair
of leads of No. 2 flexible wire and two terminals of number
4-0 copper, a joint is easily and quickly heated simply by
placing one terminal on each end of the joint.

This transformer draws about four amperes at 130 volts with
the secondary short circuited. The current and heating on no
load are very small, a temperature rise of only about 25 degrees
Fahr.. being apparent after it has been connected in circuit
several hours.

^3<rF\^

of a 4-pole shunt wound motor that had but two interpoles. All
connections were found to be correct and all commutator and
brush conditions seemed to be normal. The sparking seemed to
be confined to the brushes of one stud and any brush shift that
would improve their operation, would impair that of the brushes
of some other stud. A water resistance was connected in place
of the armature and the starting box was turned full"on." By
gradually adding salt to the water the current was increased to
almost half rated load. By means of the 15-volt scale of a 150-
volt meter, the "drop" on one interpole coil was found to be
twice that on the other.

The substituting of a new interpole coil for the defective one,
eliminated all sparking.

February, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE
By H. W. Fegley

[(B^iwmmm iM

Who is he?

This is a short story of the work
of a wide-awake electrician, to whom
a certain Pennsylvania city, of con-
siderably more than 100,000 popula-
tion, is greatly indebted for a num-
ber of valuable ideas and improve-
ments such as but rarely come to
the credit of one man. We present
his picture herewith. Do you know
him?

This electrician started in on his
work at the city's sewage disposal
plant. After two months of experi-
menting, a segregator to separate the
solids from the Jiquids was intro-
duced. The solids were dried so they could be burned without
creating stench, deadening the fires or injuring the furnace.

•A new sprinkler nozzle was added and the devices intro-
duced were approved by the State Board of Health and sanitary
experts, and this work paved the way for the inventor of these
improvements to become the head of the city's electrical depart-
ment.

Under his administration, the electrical department paid
minute attention to the fire houses and all indicators and boxes
were timed alike, so that all fire-alarm boxes recorded cor-
rectly when pulled. The city furnished new wire and the de-
partment removed all the old bare wire, sold the same, and with
the proceeds renewed the system with insulated wire.

Whenever citizens wished to sound an alarm, especially at
night, they had trouble to locate the keys. In one instance great
damage was done by fire before a policeman could locate the
key. The chief turned his attention to this delay and also to
false alarms. To-day this city uses what are known i.s ''key-
holders' boxes," placed alongside the regular alarm box, with
the key to the latter hanging on a hook behind glass. To sound
the alarm, the glass must be broken, key taken from ths hook
to open the alarm box and strike the alarm. Thus, anybody
can sound an alarm.

When the key is removed it starts a six-inch rotary gong,
which rings a minute, and so loud that the sound is heard
several hundred yards distant. It also causes the sending of
seven rounds of the box number to be struck over the police
lines to the city hall. This is registered on the tape of the
police telegraph instrument. Immediately a patrolman on a
motorcycle makes a run to the box in question. If the fire-
alarm circuit is out of order, the alarm can come over the police
lines. Since this system has been introduced, the city has had
no false alarms.

The next thing was the abolition of the city auxiliary fire-
alarm system. This system was attended to by private parties,
or more often not attended to. Wires were frequently cut out-
side of buildings and consequently would be out of order when
needed. Straight boxes were introduced and the trouble ended.
Non-interfering boxes were also substituted for the old inter-
fering boxes and no further mix-ups were caused when two or
more boxes were pulled.

After a horse belonging to the fire companies was killed, in-
curring a loss of $500, the automatic lighting system was chang-
ed and an entirely new system of stable-door releases installed
in every fire-house where horses were used.

Every fire-house in the city has to-day automatic electric
lighters and there is no need of burning gas all the time as a
pilot light to light up the main burner when an engine passes
out. Now-a-days, when the engine passes out, an electric spark
ignites the gas and the large flame from the jet lights the
shavings under the boilers. After the engine has passed, the
flame is automatically extinguished and remains out until the
engine passes again.
The chief electrician next designed a new lightning arrester

which is now in use on all the fire and police lines in the city.
Since this was installed there have been no blow-outs of fuses,
nor injuries to boxes and instruments during lightning storms.
It has saved the city hundreds of dollars and it requires a
phenomenal storm or discharge of high-tension current to in-
jure this device.

There are large railroad car shops in the city, where thou-
sands of hands are employed. At the oil houses and the store
house, this electrician installed an auxiliary system, without
auxiliary batteries and which, when once installed, needs no at-
tention whatever. The system works automatically by means
of the heat of the room, the pulling of a lever at the stations
distributed thorughout the building or the breaking of the wire
anywhere's in the building. This will cause the alarm to be
sounded from the nearest firm alarm box located on the street
adjacent to the building. Its maintenance and installation for
all time to come, does not cost more than the old system costs
to maintain in a year. It is positively proof against lightning
and high-tension currents.

Many improvements were next made by the chief electrician
in the city's police department. The dry batteries located in
each police telephone box were abandoned and a central bat-
tery system introduced with eleven small storage batteries,
which cost two dollars a year to maintain. The system is so
improved that policemen talk from the local boxes to any police-
man in other nearby cities that can be reached over telephone
lines. It has also improved the local system; so much, that
when the policeman lifts the receiver from his box, a small
light flashes up in front of the operator at police headquarters
and the call is quickly answered. It is impossible for both lines
to be out of order at one and the same time, and eliminates the
tape police telegraph instrument.

The next step forward was the introduction of a new red light
on the 150 miles of police call system. It's just a little different
from any other system in use and does not require a foot of extra
wire, being conducted on the wire over which the police report. Au-
tomatic switches, consisting of four parts so strong that nothing
but a blow from a sledge hammer can destroy them operate these
lights at each patrol box. When they were first introduced a
murderer was captured thirty minutes after he committed the
deed. When an officer is needed, the operator at headquarters
turns a switch and all the lights in the respective district are
en. When the policemen see the red lights they quickly ask
headquarters what is wanted. A bell can be substituted for the
light, but owing to the lattei's noise and warning to the crim-
inal, the light is preferred. This chief electrician constructed
four police boxes that cost $75 each, just half what other boxes
cost and the city claims they give perfect satisfaction and will
withstand 100 per cent, more abuse and that they never have
given any trouble. The same kind of reports can be made with
them as with the Gamewell style.

The city also has an underground system that has lightning
arrestors, heat fuses and choke coils that its chief electrician
designed. The fire and police machinery at City Hall, and its
switchboard were placed into fireproof headquarters. An iron
battery rack holds 504 storage batteries, which were especially
constructed to answer the city's wants, at a great saving in
cost and which operates both fire and police systems.

A new glass battery lid is used for these batteries, which acts
as a separator for the plates and prevents splashing and vap-
orization while charging. The batteries may be refilled when
the liquid is low without removing the lids. It prevents all
creeping of liquid down the outside of jars, which causes short
currents and grounds, as well as the rusting and rotting of
the racks the batteries rest on.

This electrician's latest idea is to utilize the waste heat that
now goes out of stacks of the city's garbage plants, and with the
electrical energy thus obtained furnish light and power ser-
vices to all the city's municipal buildings.

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ELECTRICAL AGE

February, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

Can You Solve This Problem in Two Minutes?

uty? f wbtem

What size of copper wire should be strung to carry 2,000 kv-a. at 0.68 power factor, 60 cycle, 3 phase, 4,000 volts, 18 inch spacing a distance of
1.2 miles, with a limiting voltage drop of 10 per cent? What will be the voltage drop and power loss to, the size of wire selected-

It is probable that you cannot correctly solve the above

Prefer! It ta Book Methods

LIBERTY LIGHT & POWER CO.

RICHMOND. INDIANA

March 16, 1916.
I received the Trasmission Line Calculator, and I desire to take
this opportunity of conveying to you my appreciation of the general
all-around excellence and simplicity of this method of working out
transmission line problems. 1 have worked out your Calculator in
comparison with several other methods in book form. The result
came out practically the same, but your system is a great deal
easier than any other I have ever used, and I feel that your work is
deserving of the highest prai6e.

(S gned) Robert S. Ashe. President.

in half an hour with the means now at your disposal, and it is certain that you cannot solve it in two minutes unless you have access to the new ENGINEER'S i II

TRANSMISSION LINE CALCULATOR

This Device is expressly designed to save time and with it you
can in two minutes solve any problem connected with overhead
transmission, distribution or motor circuits, within the range of the
various scales as noted below. This unprecedented speed is due
partly to the absolute elimination of formulas, and partly to the
extreme simplicity and logical arrangement of the method. It
means that a series of calculations whicn used to take several hours
can now be completed in as many minutes, and with far greater as-
surance as to the correctness of the results.

To show how readily any line can be figured with perfect
1 accuracy, your attention is respectfully called to the illustration
i below, which shows the 60 cycle page of the Transmission Line
.Calculator with the transparent celluloid disc set for the above prob-
Jlem, the successive steps in the solution being pointed out by the
I arrows. Please note that the whole field of wire sizes and percent-
ages is open to view, which means that it is only a moment's work
I to pick out the size of wire for any drop, or the drop for any
size of wire.

©tt? MmnB

THE TRANSMISSION LINE CALCULATOR con-
sists of a threefold volume, 8;4 inches square, bound in
levant grain Persian morocco, and containing separate
wire diagrams for 60 and 25 cycle work. Each diagram
is laid out for four different standard spacings of con-
ductor, and each is equipped with a transparent celluloid
line drop chart, A conversion table is included by means
of which the Calculator can be adapted to any frequency
or spacing whatever, and a convenient wire table has
been added, giving costs and ampere capacities of all sizes
of conductor. Explicit directions are provided, together
with a typical example, so that a person having no tech-
nical training whatever can learn the method in a few
minutes. Everything needed for the practical solution of
any line problem is given in the simplest terms, and nothing
is included in the way of technical discussion to confuse
the operator.

Transmissign-Une

CA3 CtlLATOR

S'S EDITION

Miniat$n Vicwm
of C ver and
Cycle

Diagn m of the
Trai minion

".wwfciijiM1.1*

Finds It Invaluable

tm£ '

Ifi EVERYTHING ELEGTRIGAly
<S* FIXTURES A SPECIALTY ***

phone 28© Rock. Island. III.

n,e£^^"y0ne ^ho haB *? estim*te and figure transmission ines^under
present-day conditions, it is invaluable as a time-saver I And since

^llnecflc,1; %Ca'CUlat£r- *** ' C3n WOrk 0Ut the binary1 t'ransmis!
t „~ * t lc"latlo,n within five minutes, where before it would take
from two to three hours, and at the end of two or three hours' work!
was not always sure that I was within twenty per cent, of being correct
(Signed) J. J. Murphy. Superintendent.

FIRST SETTING

Turn the transparent celluloid disc until the Line Voltage
(4000) is under the Load Kiiovolt-Amperes (2000); then

_ Look above Distance in Miles (1.2) and find Transc
sion Factor K (15).

SECOND SETTING

Turn the disc until the Load Power Factor (0 68) is od
posite the arrow for 60 Cycles, 18 Inch Spacing; then

tollow the curve for K (15) until it intersects the radial
line for No. 000 Wire just under the 10% Line Drop arc on
the surface of the disc. Note that the voltage drop for No
000 wire is 9.6%.

Note the corresponding Power Loss, 7.2% vertically be-
neath, by reference to the centre line of the disc.

iRpRltlt IN °N*" AND 0lNE"HALF MINUTES we have answered the given problem as follows: Wire, No., 000; Voltage drop,
I No. 00 are in stock. Referring to the last setting of the disc, we see at a glance that the drop for No. 0000 wire will be 8.8

in which time we have secured accurate, practical results, which by any other method in existence would have taken at least half an hour.

'<; Power loss, 7.2%. BUT THIS IS NOT THE WHOLE STORY. Suppose it is not convenient to string No. 000 wire, but that No. 0000 and
ossS.7%; and for No. 00 wire, the drop will be 10.6%, loss 9.0%. These additional readings take one-half minute, making a total of two minutes

Likes the Wide Range of Voltage

The Montana Power company

Bvtte. Montana

March 24, 191-3.
I have found your new Transmission Line Calculator a
very convenient and time-saving device. 1 used one of
your smaller Calculators for some time, but much prefer the
larger one, both on account of the larger scale and particu-
larly because of its greater range as to voltnge and length

of line.

(Signed)
A. C. Pratt, Engineering Department.

Range of the Transmission
Line Calculator

Systems

1, 2 or 3-phase or direct current
Frequency

60 or 25 cycles.
Load

1 to 20,000 kilovolt-amperes.
Voltage

100 feet to 100 miles.
Distance

100 to 70,000 volts.
Power Factor

1 to 100 per cent, lagging or
leading
Conductor material

Copper, aluminum or copper clad.
Conductor size

No. 8 B. & S. to 1,000.000 c. m.
Conductor spacing

6, 18, 30 or 60 inches.
Line drop or loss

0 to 40 per cent.

TRY THIS PROBLEM YOURSELF b]

whether you can afford to be without the
the attached coupon and send it to me with >
DOLLARS ($5.00), and you will receive
spection. Try it on your own problems,
it does not come up to your expectations, )
your money back. This is the fairest offer
you cannot afford to refuse.

"le quickest method you know, and see
'Amission Line Calculator. Then fill out
neck, money order or bank note for FIVE
rn mail a copy of the Calculator for in-
^arison with any other method, and if
may return it at my expense and receive
lw how to make, and it is one which

by retu
in comp

I U

Order one now and comply : your Engineering Library

This is THE ONLY METHOD
which

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Absolutely eliminates formu-
las. No "cut and try."

Is visible and easily checked
throughout.

Is so simple that any one can
use it.

Is self contained. No slide
rule or tables needed.

Can be adapted to any fre-
quency or spacing.

Will determine transformer
regulation.

Can be used to calculate
direct current circuits.

Is suited to a long series of
design calculations.

Is guaranteed accurate within
1-5 of one per cent.

Has proved its superiority m
competitive tests.

-——■ — — ORDER NOW-CUT COUPON HERE— — — — —

Robert W. Adams, E. E.

190 Taber Avenue, Providence, R. I.

( check 1

Attached find \ money order [■ for $5.00, for which please

(. bank note )
send by return mail, postpaid, one copy of the new Engi-
neer's Edition of the TRANSMISSION LINE CALCU-
LATOR, with the understanding that I have the privilege
of returning it within five days if for any reason it does
not prove satisfactory.

Name

Company

Street

City State

Published and For Sale by ROBERT W. ADAMS, E. , 190 Taber Avenue, PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND

Pro1

£ lit

Ffeac

llatton

ill j . j ■ .

jBy Kennedy Q. Rockwell

A case recently occurred where one of our customers was
experiencing considerable trouble in his 10,000-volt lines on
account of the circuit-breakers continually opening due to birds
and twigs of trees getting across the lines. These occurrences
were so frequent that he desired to know if it would be feas-
ible to remove the automatic trip coils from the circuit-break-
ers, so that the switches could be opened only 'by hand, ir-
respective of the current flowing. The aim was to obtain con-
tinuity of service. The station contained a number of 10,000-
volt generators, the circuits, also of 10,000 volts, going direct
from the station bus bar. This question was submitted to an
engineer who was familiar with similar conditions, who answer-
ed as follows :

Non-automatic circuit-breakers are very useful in certain
cases where short circuits of a light nature, such as birds fly-
ing through the wires and brances of trees getting across the
line, are of frequent occurrence, because these kinds of ob-
structions will usually burn clear if current can be kept on the
line for a short length of time. Unless the capacity of the
individual feeders is very small compared with that of the
station some means must be provided for preventing trouble
on any feeder from causing damage and a disturbance to the
whole system. In the present instance the circuits are taken
off the station bus bar direct, and thus the cushioning effect
of transformers is absent, making the likelihood of damage to
the end turn of the generators quite probable. The question of volt-
age variation at the time of trouble is also a very important one
because in these days both public and public service commis-
sions demand good voltage regulation. The variation in voltage
and the speed of variation is also of importance with the in-
creasing use of synchronous apparatus because this type of
apparatus is rather sensitive to sudden variations in pressure
and frequency. Since synchronous machines, even in small
capacities, are coming into quite general usage for phase con-
trol, now that good starting characteristics are obtainable,' this
fact must be kept in mind in all cases.

There are several ways in which the automatic tripping de-
vices might be replaced, but it is only by the use of feeder re-
actances that both protection and approximately constant voltage
can be obtained. Feeder reactances are the only means that
enables a short circuited feeder to be carried for any length
of time without lowering the pressure of the system excessively;
they enable trouble to be localized and give protection where it
is needed ; they do away with the necessity of sectionalizing the
load, thus permitting the operation of one common bus, thereby
enabling the operation of generators and prime movers at their '
best efficiency and at the same time most favorable load fac-
tors. The use of a common bus bar has a further advantage
in that it simplifies matters considerably, and greatly reduces
the chance of mistakes due to the personal element.

As neither the individual nor collective capacities of the ma-
chines, nor the number, capacity or characteristics of the feed-
ers are known it is not possible to give more than a very
general outline of the scheme of protection. A discussion of
some if the more important factors entering into such a prob-
lem will be taken up because it is enlightening, and may give a
general understanding of the matter which will help in solving
similar problems.

Reactance coils should be inserted in the feeders, or at least
in those feeders giving the most frequent and serious trouble.
If the station operates two buses these may be operated sep-
arately or tied together as desired. The desirability of inserting
bus tie reactances must also be considered.

A reactance coil for a feeder differs from a generator react-
ance in that the one must limit the current to a predetermined
value with constant impressed voltage behind it for several
seconds and possibly even minutes, whereas the other is only
required to care for an instantaneous current rush lasting a few
cycles only until the generator reaction has had time to become
effective. The amount of reactance to be inserted in a feeder
depends very largely upon the capacity behind it, that is, upon
the ratio of generator capacity to feeder capacity. In general
the reactance required for an aerial line will be less than that
required for an underground cable, because the former has
almost always higher reactance than the latter. In deciding on
the amount of reactance to use in a feeder it must be rem-
bered that the coil -must have sufficient reactance to permit
continuity of service of all feeders except the feeder carrying
the short circuit ; must prevent damage to the generator end
turns or transformers, as the case may be ; and must protect
the oil switch from destruction when opening the • current of
short circuit. As the tripping devices are to be removed, so
that the switches will be called upon to open only a few time
normal current instead of thirty or more the reactance coils
enable a less expensive switch to be used. This cannot be taken
advantage of where the switches are already installed, but
should be borne in mind when planning future installations.

A reactance coil is rated in apparent kilowatts or kilovolt-
amperes at a definite current. The kilovolt-amperes or kv-a is
the product of current and the voltage drop across the coil
at full load amperage. In the case of the feeder reactance the
current used in the rating is that corresponding to full load of
the feeder. Knowing the rating of a coil in kv-a and the full
load current of the feeder the reactance voltage is easily found.
This voltage is usually expressed as a percentage of the circuit
voltage. For example : suppose in the present installation a
6 per cent, reactance coil is to be installed in the feeders. Each
feeder is rated at 1,000 kv-a, 10,000 volts. Since the delta pres-
sure is 10,000 volts the star pressure is 5773 volts, and the drop
across the coil is given by 0.06 X 5773, or about 346 bolts. As

February, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

the circuit capacity is 1,000 kv-a the amperage per phase is 100,
and the rating of the reactance coil is too X 346, or, 34.6 kv-a.
For average conditions a reactance of from 5 to 10 per cent.
is satisfactory for feeders ; and it is not possible to be more
specific without knowing more details of the case.

It must be remembered that while the greater the reactance
inserted in the circuit the greater the protection afforded, within
limits, the worse the voltage regulation will be. The voltage
drop in the reactance coil is at quadrature with the line current,
and thus at low power factors the presence of reactance will
have a very injurious effect upon regulation. If the power
factors to be encountered are very low it may even be necessary
to compromise between protection and regulation. This phase
of the matter is brought out better by referring to the diagram,
which shows the effect of low power factor upon voltage drop.
The power factor taken in the example is one of 70 per cent.,
a good average figure for power circuits. It can be seen that
the reactance has relatively little effect upon the regulation
at high power factors, but becomes increasingly pronounced as
the power factors get lower and lower.

The use of reactance raises the question of exciter capacity,
and the ability of the generators to carry greater excitation.
At low power factors increased excitation ' is required by a
generator for a given terminal pressure than at higher power
factors on account of the field distortion. This taxes the excit-
ers therefore. Now inserting reactance in the feeders neces-
sitates still greater excitation which may over-tax tre capacity
of the exciters, as well a heating up the generator fields. The
probability is that this matter will not be very serious in the
ordinary way, but it must be kept in mind as a factor requiring
consideration.

Where the different feeders have different load characteristics
the feasibility of using different values of reactance naturally
suggests itself. For example one feeder serves a lighting load
having a power factor of 93 per cent., another feeder supplies
power at a power factor of 70 per cent. It can be realized
that under these circumstances the voltage regulation will be
radically different to what it would be without the reactance
coils, that of the lighting circuit being slightly poorer, while
the feeder serving the power load will be considerably lower.
The question of installing induction regulators now comes up.
If the feeders merely serve substations where the energy is
distributed to various other circuits these latter will have regu-
lators, each controlling its own pressure. On the other hand,
if the circuits leave the station and traverse the country dis-
tributing load, then the question of regulators is a very live
one. It should be pointed out here that all systems as they
grow and extend finally reach the point where regulators have
to be installed. The use of feeder reactances do not really create
the necessity, but may simply hasten it.

E*2

_3-— — ■

EX,

A*«

iV1''

1 \j

Vector diagram showing effect of reactance on voltage
regulation

The graphic method of determining the effect of low power
factor on reactance is shown in the diagram. The relations are
worked for a power factor of 70 per cent.
In the figure :

Ef = feeder voltage
Exo = reactive voltage drop, due Io
Exi = reactive voltage drop, due I]
EX2 = reactive voltage drop, due I2
The resistance drop has been ignored in this diagram, be-
cause it is comparatively small.

10 = total current

11 = energy component
h — wattless component
Eg — generator voltage

From what has been said it is obvious that the installation
of feeder reactances is not merely a matter of cost and space,
but is a matter requiring close analysis of many other factors,
generator and exciter capacities, voltage regulation, load char-
acteristics, etc. While all these factors may enter into the
problem usually one or two are absent.

The installation of feeder reactances such as have been dis-
cussed here would enable operation under the conditions im-
posed, namely frequent short circuits of a camparatively light
nature. It is, however, hardly suggested that such a radical
change be made in the station lay-out at one time, rather is it
recommended that the necessity for installing reactances be
tried out little by little. The most reasonable way to do this,
and by far the safer, would be to operate one or two of the
feeders — choosing those giving the most frequent trouble — with
reactance coils in circuit and the tripping devices cut out. Re-
actance coils for the necessary tests could be built at the sta-
tion for a nominal cost. The coils should be designed for 10 per
cent, reactance, with taps taken off for reactances of 8 and 6
per cent, respectively. The maximum reactance should be used
at the commencement of the tests, the lower values being ready
should they be needed. The cost of placing these taps when
the coils are made up will be very small, and they may save
valuable time later on, as well as permitting varying the react-
ance should change of line or load characteristics require. After
these reactances have been in service and the feeders subjected
to a number of short circuits, with the opportunity for them to
burn themselves clear, it will be possible to change the reactance
if necessary or even eliminate them altogether, although this
latter procedure is to strongly discounteranced. Operating without
any form of protection whatever is a most hazardous proceed-
ing, and one short circuit may easily cause more damage than
could be paid for by a number of reactance coils.
The cost of re-winding a generature, and the loss of the ma-
chine while it is undergoing repair are factors that must be
taken into consideration, as well as the standard of service.

The folloztring arc offered for your discussion. If you have
information on these subjects or if you have had experience in
these matters, then here is the chance for you to help those in
difficulty. Published answers and discussions are paid for.

Minimum Wiring

The sketch enclosed herewith shows a room 15 by 18 feet
which is to be wired for 20 incandescent lamps placed as shown.

O : O

J8-0

_' j

0
— >

0 : 0
r

Double Pole
ft J Snap SrYi fch

Room wiring diagram

The lamps are on the ceiling near the walls and the switch and
fuse are on the wall. How should the wiring be arranged to
be a minimum?

E. L..U.

ELECTRICAL AGE

February, 1916

Induction Motor Won't Reverse

We have a 220-volt, 3-phase induction motor of the squirrel-
cage type which has to be reversed now and then. Sometimes
instead of reversing when two of the leads are interchanged
it runs in the same way as before but at a lower speed. What
is the reason for this? W. K.

Voltage Rise on Series Transformer

I note that all the instructions regarding the use of series
or current transformers warn against having the secondary
circuit open while the primary circuit is alive on account of
high voltages building up in the open circuited secondary.
Why is this?

P. L. H.
Disposition of Line Conductors

We are about to construct a long 3-phase, 60-cycle transmis-
sion line and there is a discussion as to whether, from an elec-
tric standpoint, the circuit should be arranged on equilateral
triangle as shown on Fig. 1 or all in the same horizontal plane

Fig. 1

as shown in Fig. 2. The line is 10,000 volt and the distance
10 miles. How will this affect the regulation, etc., assuming
the transpositions to be the same in the two cases? K. W.

Metering Lamps on a Motor Load

Tra n s former
v/WWV^r-VWWW

Polyphase Wattmeter

A no-volt lighting load is connected with a motor service
which has a 3-phase 220 volt meter as shown in the sketch.
What is the error in metering the total, amount of power
supplied to motor and lamps? E. L, M.

Concentric Wiring

What is the latest information regarding the concentric wiring
system? Is it being used to any great extent? Can it be used
where neither of the conductors is grounded but the outer one
is suitably covered with insulation? Is it being manufactured
this way? M. . S.

Protection of Ground Pipes from Corrosion

Please advise what is the best method of protecting ground
pipes against corrosion. We have had ordinary black wrought-
iron pipes eaten up within two years in a district where there
was no electrolysis and the pipes were used as grounds for.
lightning arresters of alternating current line. The problem is
to get a paint to resist corrosion and at the same time not
interfere with the conductivity of the pipe as a ground plate.

A. B.

Trip Coils

In answer to "J- F. M.'s" query concerning the series tripping
coil on a 44,000-volt transmission line switch, it is pointed out
by several subscribers that the amount of current passing through
the coil depends altogether on the load or line conditions.

However, if the amount of current necessary to operate the
plunger is required, that, of course, is dependant on the number
of turns. Assuming no iron other than the core, a given num-
ber of turns, and that the core stands normally about 40 percent
in the coil the formula for calculating the maximum pull in
pounds

A N I

P = . K

100 1
where A is area in square inches of plunger, N the number of
turns in the coil, I the current in amperes, 1 the length of coil in
inches and K a factor varying with the change in position of
the coil, varying from 4 to 2. In this case P X 2 should be
greater than the , weight of the core and attached glass tube.
Calling the weight of these moveable parts W., we have

100 w 1

Ampere-turn (N I) =

A
= 130 w 1

W. K.
The coil being in series with the line, the amount of current
passing through it is the same as the line current. This current
multiplied by the number of turns of wire gives the ampere
turns.

As the coil is designed to trip only when the current becomes
excessive, the normal current will not trip the mechanism.

If only few of these coils are to be made, the best way to go
about it is to first make your tripping mechanism, and then
wind a coil with wire heavy enough to carry the maximum cur-
rent, this maximum current being the predetermined tripping
current.

By any convenient means pass a current equal to the pre-
determined current through this coil, and either add or sub-
tract turns from it until the tripping mechanism is operated,
when the coil can be finished and placed into service.

The mathematical design of such a coil is rather complicated,
but can be worked out by Charles R. Underbill's formula for
plunger electro-magnets, as follows :

A Pc (IN — n)
For iron clad solenoids P =

10000
I N2

For plunger solenoids P = A

Pc (I N — n)

7075600 i2 10000 — n

Where P = Pull in lbs.

A = Cross section of plunger in sq. inches.

I = Current.

N = Cycles per second.

Pc = Pull at 10000 amp. turns and one sq. in. area

of plunger,
n = Ampere turn factor.
1 = Length of air gap.
For a coil 3 in. long Pc = 23.4 lbs. and n = 2800.
From the above any factor can be readily solved.

A. J. K.
*♦* *T* *♦*
A correction : — F. R. H. writes what general correspondents
have also pointed out, viz : that the signs marked "watts" in
his divided current problem in the December issue should b?
marked "ohms." This hould render the problem solvable.
■•$♦ *t* «$*
An electrical alarm for open windows has been perfected to
give warning in case of rain nelting into the room. This device
operates by the wetting of a patent compound which when
moist acts as a conductor and closes the operating circuit.

February, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

Answering question by E. A. in January issue of Electrical
Age, would say that a small device for locating trouble on street
lighting circuits is shown in the following sketch.

Lamps

Z-Pole-2-Thror*

£wifch To Test Plugs

Fuse
J Switch

Test Circuit Connection for Street Lights

This arrangement can be easily made and is good for testing
for grounds or crossed currents. The 440 volts will invariably
blow the fuse in case of ground and will blow the films if they
are clean. Another way is to disconnect the circuit and ground
one side through a suitable resistance and connect the other
side to the undergrounded leg of a 120 or 240-volt grounded cir-
cuit. A few tests along the line with a lamp or two lamps to
earth will soon locate the open circuit or the ground.

F. M. A.

In answer to the query of J. E. M. in regard to the trouble
experienced on the transmission line in question.

Trouble is experienced more or less in high altitudes from
static discharges or some abnormal operation of the circuit
itself.

The same protection is ample for both conditions.

It might be well to look into the physical conditions that
tend to cause these disturbances of which lightning is most com-
mon.

If we suppose a heavily charged thunder cloud approaches
a transmission line the charge in the cloud will induce an
equal and opposite charge in the circuit, this latter charge
remains bound so long as the electrical conditions in the cloud
remains constant. Now if the cloud slowly discharges or slowly
moves away, the charge on the line will slowly dissipate itself
without any harm to the line whatever. But on the other hand,
if the cloud should suddenly discharge even without striking
the line, the bound charge on the line will be set free and will
rush back and forth oscillating at a very high frequency seeking
an outlet. Usually the frequency of these oscillations are very
great, setting up a potential that is sometimes enormous. There-
fore when these ocillations meet the coils of a transformer or
a dynamo the insulation is usually punctured. These coils act
in the same capacity as impedance coils tending to hold these
high potentials until some protective apparatus operates, making
a path for these oscillations to escape to the earth.

Every long transmission line has considerable capacity — and
when in operation stores considerable energy as a condenser.
This is met with in common when a switch is suddenly opened
a charge is set free as in the case of the static charge induced
by the thunder cloud.

This particular transmission here seems to be amply protected
by lightning arresters, although some transmission stations
find that where considerable trouble is experienced due to static
charges that by dividing their line into four equal parts and
installing lightning arresters at these points, the trouble is
lessened to some extent.

It is very important that sufficient grounds are provided for
these arresters as their maximum protection is greatly lessened
if not wholly.

These grounds should consist of some of the following ways,
viz : burying a coil of copper wire in the bank of a river
below the water level; galvanized iron p'ipe driven into the
ground sixteen or eighteen feet, connecting to the rails of an
electric railroad, or by hurrying a copper plate in the ground a
good depth.

The most successful means of providing against such static
charges as these due to lightning charges, and one which is
coming to great favor is what is known as the guard wire
of overhead ground wire, as shown in a typical high-tension
top.

,0 round Wire

A Typical High-Tension Top

A single grounded wire over a transmission system offers a
very good protection, but, of course, two would be better in case
of three or more transmission wires. To get the best results
from an overhead grounded wire, it is essential that the lines
be within the protective zone of the wire. This is when the
lines are within the space of 450 or preferably 6o° from the
ground wire downward.

Barbed wire is more effective than ordinary wire against
some kinds of static charges, such as electrostatic charges picked
up by drifting rain or fog, outside of this it has no superiority
over the plain wire.

The conductivity of the grounded wire is of considerable
importance. For bringing the zero potential up to a point
above the transmission line. In this way it greatly lowers the
electrostatic potential in the space occupied by the transmission
line.

The size of this ground wire is immaterial so long as high
conductivity is maintained. This is essential for the protection
of the transmission system against atmospheric disturbances
such as lightning flashes and also in protecting the stations in
case of a direct stroke of lightning reaching the line. This over-
head ground wire is usually grounded every few poles, some
plants ground every pole, others every four poles, while some
every half mile. If steel towers are in use this wire is grounded
to the tower.

In pole line transmission the ground wire is usually run up
the pole through a shell for personal protection. When setting
new poles, wires are sometime splaced around the butts and
twisted before the pole is placed in the ground, this affords a
very good ground for the overhead wire, otherwise a gas
pipe may be driven into the ground about six feet, the ground
wire placed in the pipe and about four inches of lead run into
the top of the pipe. E. L. B.

ELECTRICAL AGE

February, 1916

How can the lifting power of an electro-magnet be esti-
mated? M. E.

The number of pounds that an ordinary electro-magnet will
raise can be approximated by multiplying the square inches
of contact surface by .35. This rule is based on a magnetic
density of 51,000 lines per square inch at the pole faces. The
ampere-turns in the coils must be about 20 per wide of length
of magnetic circuit to produce this flux, with commercial
wrought iron cores, yoke and armature.
<$> <$» ♦$.

What regulates the charging voltage and charging current
of a storage battery? D. S.

The voltage applied to the terminals of a storage cell must be
a little more than the back voltage of the cell itself, which, with
ordinary batteries, is from 1.8 to 2.3 volts, according to the
extent of the cell's discharge. The charging voltage may be
from 2.3 to 2.5 volts according to the amount of charging cur-
rent the battery will stand. This amount is about .06 ampere
per square inch of plate surface, counting both sides of all
the positive plates.

* ♦ ♦

What is the difference between direct, continuous and pulsating
currents? J. B.

All three of these come under the one head of "unidirection-
al," that is to say they never reverse the direction of current flow.
The terms "direct" and "continuous" are used interchangeably
to describe this class of current though a really continuous
current is that which comes from a battery. Direct-current is
the accepted term for that which comes from commutating
machinery. "Pulsating" is usually applied to currents wbich
change in strength but not in the direction of flow. An alter-
nating current is pulsating in that it changes its strength, but as
it also changes its direction it is not generally referred to as
pulsating.

* «*► *

How can the current per wire for a 3-phase induction motor
be determined? For example, what size fuses would be needed
for a 10-hp, 550-volt motor? A. Y. S.

The current per wire in a 3-phase motor current is found
from the formula

577 X kw.

= C.

E X p X e

In this formula, kw., is the output of the motor in kilowatts,
E is the voltage at the terminals, p is the power factor and
e the efficiency, and C the current in amperes. A 10-hp, 550-
volt motor would likely have a power factor at full load of 85
percent and an efficiency of about 80 percent. From this you
can calculate that the current per phase would be somewhat
more than two amperes.

* ♦ *

What is the advantage in using a reactance coil instead of
an ohm's resistance in series with an alternating current arc
lamp? B. L.

The advantage is a great reduction in the actual loss of
energy in the case of coil. A non-inductive resistance of, say,
A reactance coil can be readily constructed which will have an
impedance of 2 ohms when resistance will be but .05 ohm.
The loss in such a coil would be (C X R) or 100 X .05 = 5
watts, the remainder of the impedance being purely inductive and
not entailing any loss of energy.

4* $ ♦$►

What is the best way to tell when a small storage battery is
overcharged? A. N.

When a storage battery is overcharged the electrolyte boils
vigorously. Up until it is overcharged only small bubbles will
form, the boiling action not commencing until overcharge
begins. The best way is to test the specific gravity of the

liquid with the instrument usually provided with the battery
for that purpose.

♦> ♦ 4-

Why is end play provided for on motors and rotary con-
necters? S. H. A.

End play facilitates the even lubrication of the bearings and
makes them wear smoothly. It also distributes the wear of the
brushes on the commutator and rings and keeps them from wear-
ing grooves in their surfaces.

(1) How does the charging current on a transmission line
raise the voltage at its far end?

(2) What trouble is likely to be caused in breaking the cir-
cuit of such a line when it is overloaded or short-circuited?
Ans. ' E. N.

(1) The charging current does not raise the voltage on a
transmission line anywhere. The rise in voltage that occurs
at the receiving end of a line is caused by the electrostatic ca-
pacity of the line in combination with the inductance. You
should consult a good standard text-book on alternating current
transmission for the explanation of this. It is too long to give
here.

(2) Unless the overload circuit is opened at a moment when
the alternating current is near its zero, there is sure to be a
surge of voltage occasioned by the breaking of the circuit.
This surge may reach an amount high enough to cause punc-
ture of the insulation of the circuit at some point.

*■"-■+■' 4»

(1) Can you give the rule for re-winding a compound-
wound generator for different voltages at the same speed?

(2) Also for re-winding them for different voltages and
different speeds? P. L.
Ans.

(1) Divide the voltage for which the machine was wound,
by the voltage for which the winding is to be changed ; multiply
the result by the cross-sectional area of the wire used in the
original winding. This will give you the right sectional area
of the wire for re-winding. This applies to both the armature
and field windings. The field winding should occupy the same
space as before. To calculate the number of turns of the new
series winding, or the new total number of turns on the arma-
ture, divide the original voltage by the original number of turns
and multiply the result by the desired voltage. The correct
division of the total number of armature turns into individual
coils is dependent on the design of the machine and cannot very
well be given here.

(2) There is no rule for such a case. It can only be done
successfully by one well versed in dyanamo' design.

♦ ♦ ♦

(1) Why will a compound-wound direct-current motor start
up with the field circuit open when the armature switch is
closed?

(2) What is the advantage in using six-phase rotaries in-
stead of three?

(3) What is the relation of the voltages between any to
adjacent armature taps of a six-phase rotary and the direct
current voltage? E. G. S.
An s.

(1) The motor starts because of the residual magnetism
that is left in the pole-pieces from the last time it was in
operation.

(2) With six-phases there is less heating in the rotary arma-
ture than with three. Therefore, with a given armature, there
can be a greater output with the same amount of heat lost.

(3) The relation of the voltage you inquire about is as 1 to
.354 hence for a 600-volt rotary, the voltage between taps and
6-phase armature would be about 212 volts.

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In a certain old town, which had been substantially built long
before the coming of electric lighting, the taking on of old build-

Is This House

Electrically Lighted?

The prospective buyer or tenant is
pleased when -the agent answers, "Yes,
it is electrically lighted throughout."
After that the agent has a very favor-
able prospect.

Electric Light is clean, convenient,
safe. Mazda Lamps have cut the cost
in half.

If you own a house that i& tenantless,
write or phone us. We will tell you
how it should be wired and what the
cost will be.

Potomac Electric Power Co.

Cor. 14th and C Sts. N. W.

Phone Main 7260

ings seemed to have come to almost a stand-still. Studying over
the matter, a new salesman went forth and listed all the unwired
houses in the place. In going over the list he was struck by
the fact that a large number of them were empty. This led to
a new investigation which showed that the proportion of un-
occupied, unwired houses to that of unoccupied, wired houses
was nearly four to one. Armed with this little fact a "campaign
of education" was started among the owners of the unwired
properties. A bit of careful comparison was frequently the
means of convincing the landlord that he was letting ioo per
cent, of investment lie idle for the lack of a 5 or 10 per cent,
investment in improvement in the shape of electric wiring — for
which extra investment he could easily compensate himself by
a slightly increased rent.

After a few cautious experiments the idea got out among the
owners of unwired properties. A handsome list of new cus-
tomers was the result.

In a large city not far from the scene of this investigation,
the idea was taken up and resulted in the advertisement shown
above.

There is an ample field for this line of operations all through
the older and larger settled portions of the country. In several
cases the getting in of this sort of "missionary" work among
the landlords has proved to be among the best of the methods
used in securing the business latent in unwired sections of the
older cities.

Factory EoifpS&tlug

In spite of all that has been said and written, poor, inadequate,
or ill-arranged lighting is still the most conspicuous and general
defect in small factory premises in this country. It is not un-
common to find factories of various sorts, where the eye-killing,
unshaded tungsten bulbs is in glaring evidence. Often, too, is
found an arrangement of improperly shaded lamps that is only
less stupid and wasteful.

The benefits resulting from proper lighting, which seldom
costs more than the unscientific kind, are known to be such that
the retention of poor lighting in factories simply advertises the
management as inefficient. Very frequently the rearrangement
of illumination in hitherto poorly lighted factories, increases
the output from three to ten per cent, without a bit of increase
in the lighting expenses. Greater accuracy of work and a big
reduction of accidents are only a few of the talking points for
the skillful salesman in pushing this line.

The various central station companies and contractors have by
no means worked out the case for better lighting to the fullest
extent. The number of ill-lighted places still to be found proves
this. State laws regarding compensation for accidents undoubt-
edly help out. Direct legislation on the method of lighting places
of this sort have long been on the statute books of the larger
manufacturing nations abroad.

ELECTRICAL AGE

February, 1916

' A very striking presentation of the results that can be obtained
in a well arranged machine shop is shown in a folder sent out
by a well-known Eastern firm, in illustrating an improved line
of reflectors for industrial lighting.

Light in a machine shop

In the section of this folder is reproduced the flood of light
thrown on the machine brings out all the details while the
operator's eye is perfectly protected. This sort of illumination
on each machine, with general illumination of moderate intensity,
provided by one of the well-known indirect methods is the ideal
for getting the best results with minimum eye-strain.

The campaign for better factory lighting along this line of
double lighting, general and special, should bring in good re-
turns if well pushed. The central station gets the maximum
revenue from the factory— and the factory an increased output.

A N interesting as well as profitable electric range campaign
*"*■ is reported by the Western Electric News as having been
conducted by one of their agents, the Towa Railway and Light
Company of Toledo, Iowa. This company, with power lines
extending through several of the smaller Iowa cities, decided
to put more heating devices on their lines to maintain a day
load. The electric range was used as a means to this end.

A campaign was mapped out with three days at Tame, three
days at Toledo and two days at Gladbrook — all in Iowa. Pre-
vious to the campaign a systematic series of ads, serving to
stimulate an interest in electric ranges, were run in the daily
papers of the above towns. A few days prior to the actual open-
ing of the campaign, slides pertaining to it were run in the
moving picture houses and a special personal letter was sent
to each of the company's customers in the various towns.

The actual campaign was the culmination of the preparatory
advertising; the people were given an opportunity to see in
operation the electric stove they heard so much of in print.
Practical demonstrations were held in each town in which the
electric stove was made to bake bread and cakes, broil steak
and chops and prepare entire meals. These demonstrations were
almost continuous and were held where everybody could see
them. Not only did the people see that the stoves were practical
but they were shown the amount of current for each opration,
proving their economy under existing rates. The school boards
of the towns received special invitations to visit these demon-
strations and as a result, two complete domestics science equip-
ments were sold.

The campaign was a success not only from the standpoint of
stoves actually sold but from the educational angle. Those
people who did not buy electrical devices during the campaign
have an idea as a result of it that electrical devices are worth
while, and people with that idea are decidedly good sales pros-
pects. When the company conducts their next campaign, they
will find that their actual sales will show an increase because
they will cash in on the desire for electrical devices they have
created as a result of their first campaign.

Does the average central station in its sales campaigns realize
the value of electric service in preventing fires? Does the con-
tractor know what a valuable factor this feature can become in
inducing people to wire their houses?

Here is an impartial testimonial from one who knows concern-
ing electricity as a reducer of fire risks. He is the fire commis-
sioner of the metropolis of the United States and this is what he
says in his last report :

"The substitution of electricity for other methods of heating
and lighting in this city during the last year was responsible for
the low percentage of fires. The estimated loss from fire last
year in New York was $8,217,811. Only 3 per cent, of the total
loss is attributed to defects in electrical systems or traceable
to violations of Fire Department's warnings.

"These figures are remarkable in view of the fact that the
city has 375,037 buildings among which are the tallest structures
in the world. Most of the fires were caused by the careless use
of matches, kerosene, gasolene and coal stoves. Fires from
these sources totaled 13,953 during the year.

"In other cities also there has been a decided decrease in fires,
due to the use of electricity. Only 1 percent of the damage done
in Boston according to reports, was charged to electricity. Out
of 200 fires in Louisville, Ky., two were attributed to improper
insulation." v

A little consideration of this matter and some careful fitting
of it to local conditions should enable a wide-awake solicitor to
put up a telling talk that in many instances would supply the
necessary bit of extra weight to the argument that is required
to tip the decision the right way. Put some of it into your next
case and see.

A Case in Point

A solicitor for a certain electric light and power company
labored long and earnestly with a group of wealthy farmers
whose homes adjoined the company's lines, to have their houses
wired for electric light and power service. After a year's work
he had to confess to his manager that he made practically no
headway. The; farmers were amply well-off and could easily
afford the service but were simply old-fashioned and refused to
take hold, preferring their time-honored "coal-oil" lamps.

"Try them again," said the manager, "and see what you can
do on the safety feature. Play up fire prevention."

February, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

Accordingly the solicitor m de a call one morning in June and
played it all up for all he was worth. Nothing doing. He went
on out the line to attend to some other business. An hour and
a half afterwards he was on his way back and had just passed
the house of the leading farmer in the group when he heard a call
and turning back was met by the entire delegation who desired
to know how soon he could run in a complete electrical service
for all three of the houses.

The solicitor nearly fainted from shock. "What's loose?" he
inquired, "I have worked you people for 18 months and never
a nibble."

"Just this," chorused the wise ones. "This morning the missus
went into her clothes closet to get out some extra light summer
wear. The closet being dark, she had to carry a lamp. Some
flimsy goods took fire and we were nearly burned out as a result.
Only the quickest sort of work prevented us from being burned
out. We have had our little lesson and so have the rest of the
relatives who came over to see what the fire was about. We
don't want to spare any expense to get the electrical service in-
sulated as quickly as possible."

In six weeks the entire group were using electric light and
power on all their premises, from the front porch to the back
of the barn and wondering why they had been so slow to take
advantage of it.

This company took on quite a group of rural consumers prin-
cipally on the strength of this fire which has proved a drawing
feature in soliciting in that vicinity ever since.
♦ «$► <&

2J)ltB Wmm Wlaa<&©w IDSspUsy C©sati@sft

The feature of the fan season last year was a window dis-
play contest conducted by the Western Electric Company. It
will be remember that six prizes amounting to 100 dollars, were
given to the dealers who, with the material given them, trimmed
windows that attracted the most genuine interest to electric fans.
The base of the display a cut-out, featuring a wave beaten
beach, was given to all he contestants and around that all the
displays were made.

The contest created a great amount of interest and comment
As a matter of fact, the company considers the results sufficient-
ly encouraging to conduct a similar contest for the 1916 fan
season.

The contest for the coming year calls for the use of a cut-out
similar to the one used in the 1915 display. There are 10 prizes
offered this year — amounting to 250 dollars. The prizes are
arranged as follows :

First-$ioo.oo, Second-$50.oo, Third-$25.oo, Fourth-$i5.oo and
six prizes of 10 dollars each. In addition to these prizes, one
hollar will be paid for every psotograph submitted. The
contest will close October first, 1916, at which time a board
of judges consisting of representatives of the leading trade
papers and the Society for Electrical Development will award
the prizes.

The wide awake dealer will start now to plan a window that
will be a prize winner. There are any number of attractive
combinations he can make with his flashers, motors and fans,
all of which will give action, and action makes for interest,
which is the basis on which all prizes will be awarded. In view
of the success of the 1915 contest, great things may be expected
this year.

©mtlbmildasiD Eatgjfitaugj

"Do you know that in many rural and suburban communities
the amount of domestic electric lighting consumed by the aver-
age household is but little over half what it would be if the
outbuildings were well wired ?"

This statement was made not long ago in a certain southern
community. The powers in charge of electric service there
doubted. They wanted to be shown.

To put the matter to the test, ten consumers whose places
were completely wired, were persuaded to allow ten watt-hour

meters to be inserted in their service connections in such a way
as to measure the proportion of the total kilowatt-hour load con-
sumed outside of the house. These were left in circuit during
October, November and December. The result of the test showed
a division of consumption in the out-buildings ranging from 10
to 60 per cent, of the total. The largest outside consumer was
a prosperous farmer who burned 5 lights in his out-buildings
in the mornings to one in his house. The smallest was a widow
who ran a chicken-an-pig farm on ten acres — and successfully,
too.

The average out-building consumption for these ten customers
during the three months was a little over 40 per cent. The test
is still going on.

YOUR

BARN WANTED

For Electric Light

The most convenient use of electric lights is in,
those places where you now use a lantern.
A light in the

Cellar
Barn

Back Porch

Chicken House
Garage

will flood the space with light at the touch of a

button and you will not be hampered with

a lantern hanging on your arm, there

will be no shadows to hide your

work, no danger of fire from an

overturned lantern..

Wiring of these places is all open work and cost

is small. The cost of light is trifling. Let

us give you an estimate.

MORAVIA ELECTRIC LIGHT
HEAT & POWER CO.

ELECTRIC LIGHT CHANGES DARKNESS
TO DAYLIGHT

The result of the test convinced the management of the value
of the out-building load.

The above advertisement shows how one company which
was alive to the matter went after the barns, chicken-houses
and garages in its district. To the unprejudiced eye it would
seem as if wagon sheds and pig-pens might also be inserted
in the list.

ELECTRICAL

AGE

February, 1916

By G. D. Crain, Jr.

There is no doubt that selling electrical merchandise offers
one of the finest opportunities, for members of the trade who
have the facilities for dealing with the ultimate consumer, to be
found everywhere.

Electrical goods are attractive; they are well-advertised, and
they fill in most cases a real want, and not one artificially
created. In other words, they combine the salability of the
novelty with the permanence of the staple; which means that
the dealer who is building up a trade of this sort is going to
make steady customers and to get repeat orders.

These facts explain why the electrical contractor is breaking
into the merchandising field in many communities, and why ex-
clusive stores devoted to this class of goods are being success-
fully conducted. In most places where the dealers have shown
a disposition to develop the business, the policy of the central
stations has been to turn it over to them, and net to do anything
more aggressive than to make displays and to turn business
to the retail distributors by means of general advertising of cur-
rent-consuming devices. With encouragement of this kind, there
is no reason why an aggressive, hustling salesman should not
be able to get business right along, whether he is working in an
establishment where the sale of electrical goods at retail is the
leading interest, or not.

Another thing to consider in this connection is that the man
with a stock of electrical merchandise is not on a commercial
island, where he is thrown on his own resources. On the con-
trary the manufacturers have done and are doing right along a
lot of creative, educational, constructive advertising; and if the
dealer will hook his business onto this publicity, and take ad-
vantage of its effectiveness in his own locality, he will make his
sales problems a good deal simpler than they otherwise will be.
■ For example, suppose that he is handling the lamps of a cer-
tain company. These are staple, of course, and yet the field is
by no means exhausted. The name of the manufacturer has
become known through advertising, just as the general merits of
electric lighting have become known. Is the dealer to sit quietly,
with his stock of lamps on his shelves, without telling about the
goods, or is he going to make a window display, using the
material of the manufacturer to increase its attractiveness, and
insuring getting the attention of passersby?

The latter plan is the one which is of course calculated to
get the business. A dealer who puts on a display of lamps,
helped out by cartons and cut-outs and window cards furnished
by the maker of the goods, is sure to get customers, because a
big percentage of the people who see such a display will re-
member an empty socket or two at home, and will come in and
supply themselves with lamps. Besides such a display has a
familiar look, because its elements have been made familiar
through the general advertising of the manufacturer; and
putting it in immediately hooks the dealer to the tail of the big
advertising kite which is flying across the business sky, attract-
ing the attention of millions of buyers.

There is a lot of other publicity matter furnished by the
makers of electrical goods, such as folders, pamphlets, etc. The
dealer who allows this sort of advertising to become dusty and
soiled in his store, instead of using it to make business, is not
playing the .game. He is throwing away dollars that have been
spent for his benefit, as well as for the advantage of the manu-
facturer. In this connection, it is usually possible to get the
direct advertising material imprinted with dealer's own name
and address, so that all of the work which he does in distri-
buting it will advertise him as the local representative of, the
manufacturer.

An easy and effective way to get results from the use of ad-
vertising matter of this particular kind is to make a point of
enclosing a piece in every letter going out to a customer. State-
ments mailed the first of the month should by all means be

accompanied by a slip-in advertising some item of goods carried
in stock by the electrical dealer. The two-cent stamp carried by
the letter will transport the advertising as well, so that the
business developed — and some business will steadily be turned
up by this method — will be literally velvet. The postage money
spent in other directions can be made more productive if the
letters carry something in the way of an advertising appeal, as
well as the regular correspondence of statements.

The electrical dealer who is not called on by salesmen repre-
senting the different manufacturers is the exception and not the
rule. He may think, as a matter of fact, that too large a per-
centage of his time is being taken up by these salesmen. Per-
haps, so, if he is not using them in the way it is easily possible
to do. These salesmen, on the road for the makers of electrical
goods, are usually bright, intelligent chaps, who have always got
their eyes open for new ways of selling their goods, not only
to the dealers, but over the counters of the merchants. Con-
sequently their brains are packed with good ideas regarding
the proper methods of handling electrical merchandise, and they
will be more than glad to impart this information to the dealer
and to his salesmen.

It would enable them to sell more goods, consequently, if they
could hear from the traveling salesmen, who put the lines in the
dealer's stock, the points about them which are worth calling to
the attention of the customer. In view of the fact that most elec-
trical merchandise contains the element of novelty, it is neces-
sary to do a certain amount of explaining — educational work,
if you please — in order to convince the customer that th- article
is worth purchasing. Backing up the saleman with help of the
kind suggested will thus increase sales impetus inside the store,
and make for more sales and more profits.

In fact, some of the most successful members of the trade have
formed their salesmen into clubs, which carry on regular work
in the development of knowledge about the goods and about the
best way to present them. These organizations, which need to
be handled intelligently in order to be of the greatest benefit,
of course, have splendid possibilities along this line; and at
their meetings the salesmen of the manufacturers could very ap-
propriately appear for the purpose of explaining the fine points
connected with their goods.

The trouble with the average electrical store, especially if
contracting or some other line is carried on in connection with
it, is that the man at the head of the business has so many things
to think of that no one item, at least if it has to do with the
merchandising department, gets a fair amount of attention.
That means that- the business is likely to drag, unless the dealer
is shrewd enough to put some aggressive salesman in com-
plete charge, with full authority in the gelling end.

This is one of the best ways, in fact, to handle the business.
While it is not always an easy matter to' get an ideal assistant,
who can direct the sales work with the necessary snap and
originality, it is far better to attempt this plan than to let the
business fail because of lack of pushing. And electrical goods have
so many points of appeal that there is no reason why any store
which displays them, which backs them up with reasonably good
salesmanship inside, and which takes advantage of the immense
publicity campaigns of the manufacturers, should not be able
to do a sufficient volume if business to make a satisfactory
showing in the matter of net profits.

But it should be remembered, as pointed out above, that elec-
trical goods are too new to sell without effort. No one should
expect to be able to get business in this line without devoting
something in the form of money and time and effort to it. Money
is needed to put the right kind of stock on the shelves : an incom-
plete array does not deliver the goods, because the average cus-
tomer invariably wants something which isn't in stock. Time is
needed to organize the work properly, and effort to get the dis-
plays and the selling punch which are required. But if these are
forthcoming, big money can be made out of the business.

MMBt

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Mew Wat

The new motor shown herewith is a special design lately de-
veloped by The Robbins & Myers Co., Springfield, Ohio, for
washing machine service.

The end heads are cast in a special form which gives abso-
lute protection from water which may splash on the motor, while
at the same time they are open and permit a free circulation
of air through the motor. The ventilation is assisted further
•by a fan on the shaft.

The base is provided with four holes for fastening the motor
to machine. It is cast separately from the motor frame and is
attached to the frame by four screws. It can be attached to the
top of the motor, permitting of overhead mounting when this
is desired, without making it necessary to turn the motor over
and invert the end heads.

New Washing Machine Motoi

The motor terminals are protected by an iron box which fits
over them and is held in place by two screws. The cord enters
this box through a hold which is provided with a rubber bush-
ing. The motor is furnished complete with ten feet of reinforced
cord and a separable plug. It is also fitted with a V-groove
pulley.

The bearings are made of phosphor bronze and are lubricated
by wick oilers. The lubricating system is constructed so as to
prevent any leakage of lubricant which might soil the clothing.

The motor can be furnished for direct current of all standard
voltages and for alternating current of all standard frequencies
and voltages. The speed on direct curret and 60 cycle alternat-
ing current is 1750 r.p.m.

mm©m .

A new immersion heater, designed for quickly heating small
quantities of water in any suitable vessel, consists of a nickel-
plated copper tube which eliminates any possibility of rusting
or oxidizing. It is in the form of a coil which will readily fit
in almost any small vessel.

This coil construction has the decided advantage of a large
radiating surface so that the heater is evenly and widely dis-
tributed instead of being confined to a small limited area. As
a result the "Quick-Hot" heater does not become overheated and
is insured a long life and freedom from deterioration.

A useful feature is a sort of shield which keeps the hot
coil from coming in contact and doing damage to a table or any
other surface upon which it might be placed.

A small but convenient handle, always cool — is mother ex-
clusive and practical feature appreciated by users who are there-
by enabled to easily handle this immersion heater while it is
still hot.

Immersion Heater

It is easily cleaned, economical to use, guaranteed not to
burn out, and is a device that will stand long and hard usage.

The patented quick detachable connection is furnished with
this device. It is the only connector on the market which can be
attached or removed quickly and easily with one hand, eliminat-
ing the need of holding the heater with the other hand.

A six-foot cord and plug with which it is equipped enables
it to be attached to any lamp socket. It is made by the Simplex
Electric Heating Company, Cambridge, Mass.

ELECTRICAL AGE

February, 1916

A new and improved instrument has recently been placed up-
on the market which is very useful in making time and motion
studies, and in obtaining direct results of production per hour
or per day, both for mechanical and manual operations.

The cronograph contains a 17 jewel timepiece which is ex-
tremely accurate and in addition contains divisions in seconds
and fifths for the time study feature. The figures on the ex-
treme outside of the dial designate operations per hour for
any operation within one minute, and the figures on the ex-
treme inside of the dial such as, 51, 45, 40, etc., denote opera-
tions per hour for any operation running into the second minute.
For instance; if the large black hand were stopped on 13 sec-
onds, which would denote the completion of an operation, the
reading directly under this hand, would show 275, which are
the number of operations which could be completed in one hour
on a basis of one operation taking 13 seconds.

Master Cronograph

The master cronograph operates entirely from the crown,
being the start, stop and fly-back system. The timepiece fea-
ture is the same as any modern watch. The works are im-
pervious to magnetism, to heat and cold, expansion and con-
traction. The case is of gun-metal. The product is of high
grade Swiss manufacture, and the exclusive sales are controlled
by M. J. Silberberg & Associates, Peoples Gas Building, Chi-
cago, Illinois.

The big increase in the use of electrical appliances for heat-
ing as well as lighting uses has led to a demand for a device
by which both services may be taken from the same outlet. To
meet this a heat-proof side-outlet tap has been placed on the
market.

Side Outlet Socket

This is designed especially for use in railroads shops, ship
building yards, warehouses, factories and similar places where
it may have to stand rough usage. It is provided with a shade-
holder groove at the bottom. The connecting socket will take
the manufacturer's standard insertion plug.

A novel use of the familiar flashlight has been put forth by
a manufacturer, who inserts them in handles suitable for cane
or umbrella, as shown in the illustration. This gives the own-
er of one or both of these handy articles a double use and will
stimulate the sale of these lamps.

Umbrella Flashlight

The battery is easily replaced and the circuit controlled by
the button shown on the lower part of the handle.

Among the recent developments in instruments for the solu-
tion of engineering problems are a curve recording device and
a curve analyzing device known as a "Polar Oscillograph At-
tachment" and a "Harmonic Analyzer" respectively. These de-
vices are extremely useful to obtain a quick and accurate
analysis of any periodic wave, such as the current or voltage
wave of a motor, generator or power system.

It has been customary for a long time to regard current and
voltage values as vector quantities,' and use these trigonometric
relations to express the various phase relations. This, how-
ever, is only correct when the waves of current or voltage arc
sine values. When these waves are distorted, large errors may
result by making these assumptions. So- the only positive
method of solving such problems is to obtain an actual analysis
of the wave by means of an adequate analyzing device as the
harmonic analyzer previously referred to.

Fig. 1 — Polar Oscillograph Attachment

Fig. 1 shows the polar oscillograph attachment used to obtain
a polar oscillogram of the wave which is to be analyzed. This
attachment can be used interchangeably with' the regular rec-

February, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

tarigular film holder on the standard oscillograph. The oscillo-
gram is made on a photographic film about ten inches in dia-
meter, and is then printed on a sensitized piece of bristol board,
from which a template is cut for use on the analyzer.

Fig. 2 shows the analyzer, which has been designed to give
any one harmonic at at time, odd or even, as high as the
fiftieth. The procedure for analyzing is extremely simple and
entirely mechanical. Although the operation of the machine is
based on the Fourier theorem, the actual procedure for analyz-
ing can be performed by a person without any knowledge of the
mathematics involved. Selecting the proper gears, turning the
crank, and reading the planimeter are the only operations re-
quired.

To protect electrical equipment from damage by surges it has
usually been the practice to install choke coils or reactors be-
tween the outside lines and the equipment and drain off the
surge through horn-gaps to ground. This has minimized the
possibility of damage to inside apparatus, but it does not in-
sure full protection to line insulators, which are a vital part of
a system. The Delta-Star Electric Company, Chicago, however,
has developed apparatus which can be inserted in series with
conductors at any desired intervals to prevent a disturbance
causing extensive damage.

As shown by the accompanying illustration, the equipment
consists of two horn-gaps in series with the conductor, but
shunted by a choke coil which will allow normal current to pass.
The triangle-shaped horn is grounded through a multiple-series
resistance arrester. At the heel of each horn is attached a small
metal sphere, and extending from both choke-coil terminals in-
ward are bars, the ends of which are slightly nearer each other
than the balls on the horn-gaps.

HIGH SPEED
SPHERE GAP

• 1 ,■,

SLOW SPEED GAP

Fig. 2 — Curve Analyzer

Voltage Surge Arrester

This device can be applied to electrical problems of wave
shapes of generators, and problems arising from the paralleling
of generators, or cross currents in machines or transformer
connections.

The use of the analyzer, however, is not limited to electrical
problems. Any periodical wave, such as sound waves, waves of
magnetic flux, torque curves • of gas engines, can be analyzed
and the related waves derived by simple mathematical trans-
formation.

These new devices still prove to be valuable additions to any
standard oscillograph equipment. The case and the metal parts
of the analyzer are nicely finished, so that the instrument has
a most attractive appearance and fits in very well with other
instruments in a well equipped laboratory. They are manu-
factured by the Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Com-
pany and received a bronze medal at the Panama-Pacific Ex-
position.

The value of this device as a saver of time and brain-wearing
calculation in any place where much of this sort of work has to
be done can hardly be over-estimated. As a matter of economy
it will speedily save its money cost many times over — not to
mention the lessening in mental wear and tear.

The action of the equipment is as follows : If a voltage wave
with steep front approaches the apparatus the choke coil will
check its progress along the line, causing some of the energy to
"spill" to ground by allowing it to jump across the sphere-
gaps. If the surge is abnormally large, it will break down the
gap inside the coil and continue along the line until another
opportunity is afforded for its escaping to ground. In other
words, this apparatus acts as a shock absorber, dissipating all
or part of a surge and allowing the remainder to pass on to
other absorbers until it is entirely overcome. The net result
is to confine a disturbance to a portion of the line, the length
of the section which will be disturbed depending on the dis-
tance between shock absorbers.

♦ * *

l>a2agH^(S;ftaMcS<§2, M©m^®mt^l (ME Ugaagflaa®

An oil engine of four-stroke-cycle design, operating on the
"Beau de Rochas cycle, has recently been developed by a well-
known eastern manufacturer. The engine is massive but well
proportioned in design, the prominent features, according to
the manufacturer, being simplicity of construction and small
number of parts. The frame or bedplate is integral with the
cylinder casing and extends almost the entire length of the en-

ELECTRICAL AGE

February, 191 6

gine. Oil is injected just before the end of the compression
stroke, and the injection is continued until almost the end of
the compression stroke. The compression pressure of the en-
gine is about 180 lb. and the ignition pressure slightly above
300 lb. The piston is of the trunk type and of large size. No
cross-head is employed. The cylinder and cylinder head are
water-jacketed, and both air and exhaust valves open vertically
in the cylinder head. The spray valve is placed at the end of the
cylinder head and is directed so that the injected oil will im-
pinge upon the vaporizer at the bottom of the cylinder head.
Vapor and air are compressed and mixed in the cylinder head,

Single Cylinder Horizontal Oil Engine

where ignition takes place. Only the gases resulting from the
explosion enter the cylinder. The governing is done by means
of a by-pass valve. After leaving the pump, the oil may either
pass to the spray valve or the check valve in the governor.

The engine is designed to operate on commercial grades of
crude or fuel oil produced in the United States or Mexico. De-
veloping 14 brake-hp. per hour per gallon of oil, the engine
takes 0.55 lb. oil per brake-hp. -hour at full load, 0.55 of oil per
break-hp. hour at three-quarters load, and 0651b. oil per brake-
hp. -hour at one-half load. These economies compare favor-
ably with any oil engine on the market.

A handy line of neat caps for the service end of conduit lines
is just being placed on the market. It comes in two pieces as
shown. Although each wire has a separate insulated outlet,
there is no threading necessary. The base is screwed on the
conduit — -the conduit secured to the building and the wires drawn

Conduit Service Cap

in and bent down. The cap is then placed over the wires — each
wire being in a separate groove in the cap. There are three
grooves in the cap. When used as a two-wire fitting the middle
groove is closed by the lip which projects from the base.' To
make a three-wire fitting it is only necessary to strike the lip
a sharp blow with a pair of pliers or a screw driver handle and
it will break off, leaving the third hole open. There are no
loose pieces to drop out and lose.

The electric battery lantern has long since passed the novelty
stage and is rapidly supplanting the dangerous and inefficient
oil lantern. A very convenient form of lantern has just been
put on the market under the name of 'Attache" It is simple,

''Attacho" Electric Lantern

safe and durable, and throws a strong beam by means of a 3-
in. non-tarnishing glass reflector. It is designed for use with
No. 6 dry cell and will average 75 hours continuous light and
manufactured by the Attacho Light Company, Syndicate Trust
Bldg., St. Louis. .

* 4 ♦

Although many special insulating materials have come on the
market during the last few years, the ideal insulator — the long
sought, unbreakable, unburnable, non-absorbent, high-resistance
material has not yet been found.

We therefore judge the quality of a given insulating substance
by the closeness with which it approaches to the ideal. The patent
compound now sold under the name of "bakelite-dilecto," seems
a>-, close to the pattern as any yet developed. It has a dielectric
strength of from 700 to 1150 volts per mil, sheets of yi inch thick-
ness standing upward of 100 kilo-volts. It is also good for 10,000
pound per sq. inch tensile strength and 50,000 pound compression.
Chemically it is unaffected by almost everything and its in-
sulating properties do not deteriorate under 300 degrees F.

It can be worked with tools, drilled, threaded, machined and
polished and is used in a multitude of different ways to such an
extent that it has become almost standard for certain insulating
purposes. It is made by the Continental Fibre Company, New-
ark, Del.

♦ * *

M. lew mWwfm Ht®f mgp Buttei^

A leading storage battery which in size and shape resembles
an ordinary salammoniac dry cell and contains a non-flowing
electrolyte is being manufactured by J. P. Mentzer & Company
under the Crowdus patents and is. being sold by S. S. Stolp, 134
South LaSalle Street, Chicago. According to the manufactur-
ers, tests show that the battery can be echarged an indefinite
number of times at a lower price per charge than the original
cost of an ordinary dry cell. The rating of the battery is 0.5
amp. for forty hours, 1 amp. for eighteen hours, 2 amp. for
eight hours, or 3 amp. for five hours. The average discharge po-
tential is 2 volts.

The container for the battery is an unbreakable paper-fiber
can, made proof against water, acid and electrolysis. The posi-
tive and negative elements are made from rolled strips of cor-
rugated lead. The electrolysis is contained in an amorphous,
non-crystallizing white substance which is said to possess ex-
ceptionally high absorbing power. A tube divided in the center
of the cell, carries water to prevent the cell from drying out.

There has long been a demand for a light storage battery
as every one of an economical turn of mind has felt a sense of
waste in throwing away the ordinary dry cell which looks per-
fectly good when it is as dead as Hector. With this type of
battery, the user can carry the cell, when run down, back to
the local garage and have it re-charged at a nominal cost . It
is said to be good for re-charging at least 300 times.

February, 1916

E LECTRICAL AGE

— - ~— «M«MM» |

fe^s^?*"^--:- ■

-*.."«*

Fig. 1 — Showing ray and illuminated field

Another View of the field

A simple and convenient spark plug tester for automobiles,
motor boats and motor cycles has been put on the market lately.
It consists of a crotch containing a spark gap and t\vo legs
containing the terminals, as shown in the illustration. One leg is

Spark plug tester

3 inches longer than the other, so as to permit a convenient con-
tact.

The tester is made of hard rubber with rounded corners, is
only 5 in. long and can be conveniently carried in the pocket.

Efficient lighting of lakes for the harvesting of
natural ice has long been a problem. We all
know how expensive is the old overhead method,
with its poles to be set, wires to string, globes
and sockets to attach — it has always been the
nightmare of the ice man— with all its work and
worry, lighting at best about half the area re-
quired with an illumination which has never been
quite satisfactory.

A firm of Chicago engineers has come to the
front with a new flood lighting invention, which
judging from the remarkable results, has overcome
all past troubles in this line. This system of flood
lighting accomplishes that which has heretofore
been impossible, by using a 1000-watt, 115-volt
gas-filled incandescent globe burned in a venti-
lated steel hood, with a mirror reflector behind it
and closed with a wire glass front, making the
lamp rugged, storm and waterproof.

The illustrations shown herewith were taken at
Armour & Company's Round Lake, 111., plant, Fig.
1 showing the lights in position on the ice house
roof shooting their beams out upon the lake and
channel, lighting at the same time the conveyor
and all work directly in front of the house. The
lights are portable, being fastened wherever de-
sired. These lights were installed and burning
in less than four hours. Fig. 2 is a bird's-eye
view of Round Lake from the ice house roof
showing the area lighted, three quarters of a mile
long and a half mile wide.

The advantages of this plan for cutting ice after
night are particularly appreciated in the middle
section of the country where the natural ice harvest
is an uncertain quantity. By proper illumination
many thousands of tons of ice that would be lost
if dependent on day light work can be saved and
gathered in the ice houses at a very small extra
cost for illumination.

A new substitute for porcelain in places where the
latter is liable to be attacked by heat or moisture
has recently been put under some searching tests.

This new material is somewhat similar in appearance to por-
celain although it is greyish in color and has not quite such a
glossy appearance and under the most severe strains, both due
to extreme of heat and cold, and also electrical strains, it has
shown itself vastly superior to any other insulating material we
have ever seen. One test to which it was subjected was to heat
some of these new insulators white hot and then plunge them
into cold running water which was repeated 10 times without
sign of fracture; the 27th time a small crack appeared and the
28th time a part of the insulator cracked off.

Of several samples of porcelain which were tested, none would
stand plunging into cold water. Some of the porcelain speci-
mens broke when they reached a temperature of about cherry
red and others when they were beginning to get white hot.
A very few of the porcelain specimens stood the white heat
temperature but cracked immediately they were placed in cold
water.

From this it can be seen what a remarkable test this new in-
sulating material has stood. Porcelain insulators are, as a
rule quite good electrically but this new insulating material
in all the electrical tests which it was subjected to, has been
found superior to porcelain and in some of the tests, vastly
superior.

rRAJons jyra^a^T'jsniai

Catalogs
mnd B©®ks

A tasteful calendar for 1916 in white and green has been
sent out by the Samson Cordage Works, Boston, Mass.
»*♦ ♦♦♦ <$♦

The nickel-iron Edison storage battery and its merits for
commercial electric vehicle service are set forth in a neat
well-illustrated bulletin, No. 500, issued by the Edison Stor-
age Battery Company, Orange, N. J.
»> ♦♦♦ *»♦

Electric welding and riveting as done by the latest im-
proved machines is the subject of a comprehensive bulletin,
No. 17, published by the Toledo Electric-Welder Company,
Cincinnati, O. Spot, and other kinds of welding, riveting,
and similar work once among the dirtiest and nosiest of
jobs, are now done cleanly, quickly and silently at lower
costs than with the old methods.

<%fr Jfa -^

Electric Fans for 1916 including exhaust fans and blowers
are treated of in Catalog 8-A of the Westinghouse Electric
& Manufacturing Company, East Pittsburg, Pa.
*♦♦ ♦+< ♦♦♦

Numerous plugs, sockets and receptacles are featured in
another of the "green-goggled cow" folders of Harvey Hub-
bell, Inc. of Bridgeport, Conn., who have also issued fold-
ers on their lamp guards and the general reliability of their
products.

"Isolite" batteries in glass jars for farm lighting plants,
burglar alarm and fire alarm systems are featured in Bulle-
tin No. 15 of the General Lead Batteries Company, Newark,

N. J,

+ * *

"How to Figure Illumination" is the title of a handsome,
illustrated booklet packed with valuable, practical informa-
tion on laying out lighting installation for almost any class
of requirements, and also cataloging "Sunbeam Mozda"
lamps. It is sent out by the Western Electric Company,
Chicago, 111.

V V V

"Some Essentials of Street Lighting" are the subject of a
15-page illustrated booklet, treating of up-to-date lighting in
Cleveland, sent out by F. W. Ballard and Co., Engineers,
Cleveland, O.

+ + *

Preserving wood-poles from rot is a matter of interest to
most people engaged in transmission and distribution of elec-
tric power. The C-A- Wood-Preserver Company, Inc., of St.
Louis, Mo., has gotten out a well illustrated booklet of 36
pages showing what it has accomplished in this respect in
many lines of business with "carbolineum" wood preserver.
■•J*" *$•■ ' "^

A line of electrically driven tools, second to none, is de-
scribed in the handsome, copiously illustrated catalog No.
25 of the James Clark, Jr. Electric Company, Louisville,
Kentucky. It shows upwards of forty different kinds of buf-
fers, grinders and drills of every sort, all made with the un-
mistakable finish that marks this manufacturer's product.
♦ *** *>

1916 Starting, lighting and ignition equipment is abundant-
ly described and illustrated in Circular 1532-B just issued by
the automobile equipment department of the Westinghouse
Electric and Manufacturing Company, East Pittsburg, Pa.

High-tension insulators and insulating parts, as made by
the Electrose Manufacturing Company, of Brooklyn, N. Y.,
are the subject of several illustrated folders recently sent out.

* * *

Centrifugal pumps and pumping units are well described
and illustrated in Catalogue No. 1633-A issued by the Allis-
Chalmers Company, Milwaukee, Wis.

* ♦ *

Safe, Scientific and Sanitary Illumination are subjects of
live import that are skillfully handled in three beautifully got-
ten up booklets entitled "Eye Comfort," "Logical Light for
the Hospital" and "Standard Show Window Reflectors," dis-
tributed by the National X-Ray Reflector Company, New
York and Chicago.

*> ♦> ♦>

The "National" Trolley Guard made by the Ohio Brass
Company, Mansfield, O., is described in an illustration folder
just out.

*$* ■*$* •■$*

"Una-flow" steam engines are the subject of illustrated
Bulletins No. 66-B and No. 67 of the Ames Iron Works,
Oswego, N. Y. .

* * *

Motor-driven rotary planing machines are told about in
Catalog No. 50 of the Newton Machine Tool Works Comp-
any, Philadelphia, Pa.

*t* jAi. JU

V V V

"Automatic Weighing of Coal and Water in Power Plants"
is the title of an attractively illustrated bulletin, No. 101, sent
out by the Richardson Scale Company, Passaic, N. J.

* * *

"The Mazda Lamp in Photography" is the title of Bulletin
26 which has just been issued by the engineering department
of the National Lamp Works of General Electric Company.
This bulletin presents in simple language such data and in-
formation in regard to the mazda lamp and its application
to the processes of photography as will assist photograph-
ers in their work, and acquaint the electrical public with the
principles involved. Particular attention is paid to the spec-
ial photographic-blue-bulb mazda C lamp and its application
to the lighting of portrait and motion-picture production

studies.

>♦♦ >+♦ *+*

HB®®Ite M@wa@w

A handy and practical little work for all those who are in-
terested in electricity and magnetism is Professor F. E. Austin's
"Examples in Magnetism." It starts with a couple of chapters
devoted to a simple explanation of trigonometric functions,
formulas and problems, takes up the metric and C. G. S. sys-
tems of measurements and passes thence to definitions and dis-
cussions of magnetic quantities.

Practically all problems involving magnetic poles and pole
strength, fields of force and the changing of magnetic to
mechanical force are presented in a way that is easily understood
by anyone with a knowledge of arithmetic and elementary al-
gebra. The whole subject is handled in twelve lessons. At the
end are several useful tables and a comprehensive index. It
is neatly bound in flexible leather, and worker, engineer, and
student will find it well worth the price. Size 4 by 6 inches.
90 pages. $1.10 net. Technical Journal Company, Inc., 233
Broadway, New York.

Hewa^w

_j r >! iiV -A

i^ (S©smpH@fce 2R@(g©iM ©2 2aap©5?t£iioa'S S5"<gwg EMil&M H©s Bmisj 5R<an(£l©s,s

The price of Tungsten metal at the Colorado mines for 60 per
cent fine has risen from $5.80 per unit in April to $48.00. This
makes the metal worth $2,850 per ton.

Since January 1st the Lynn plant of the General Electric Co.
has closed at 5 :30 instead of 6 o'clock, the same as is be'ng done
at the Pittsfield and Schenectady plants. The wages of the 8,000
employes will not be affected by this change in time.

<$* *t* *»*

The Calumet Electric Company has changed its principal place
of business from Crownpoint, Ina., to Cary, Ind.

"•J* ■*$* *$*
A central station, the Eastern Pennsylvania Power Company,
of Dover, N. J., has contracted to sell 1,200 kilowatts to the Inter-
national High-speed Steel Company for running a Keroult elec-
tric steel furnace at Rockaway, N. J. The furnace has a capacity
of 50 tons a day and the load should be a fine source of revenue
to the power company.

♦ *X* <*

The Cudahy Packing Company has arranged to buy electric
power for its Armourdale packing house from the Kansas City
municipal plant. The contract is a sliding scale running from a
little under y2 cent to 1-V2 cents per kw-hr. It is expected that
this will bring from $40,000 to $50,000 a year into the city treasury.
This is the first packing plant to use municipal current.

*j* ffc ■•$►
The Denver and Rio Grande engineers engaged on study of the
electrification of mountain grades have completed their report.
The study is based on the use of water power for furnishing the
necessary electrical energy. The actual cost of steam locomotive
operation is also given. According to the information received
an estimated net saving of 30 per cent in favor of electrification
is indicated. Action in this matter is expected in the near future.

♦ * <fr

Following the re-incorporation of the Western Electric Com-
pany in New York, the Western Electric Company of Illinois
reduced its capital stock from $25,000,000 to $10,000,000.

♦ *%* »>

A company for manufacturing and marketing a new electric
device for changing alternating current to direct current has been
formed at Toledo, Ohio, under the name of Mutual Holding
Co. This invention is to be known as the D. & W. Rectifier. A
factory has been leased and twenty-five men will be employed at
the start.

♦> ►> ►>

It is reported that the Aluminum Company of America has
purchased the water rights and property on Yadkin River, N. C,
from the Southern Aluminum Company at a price exceeding
$5,000,000. This property was recently sold by French caitalists
to American purchasers and a 70,000 kilowatt development is
partly under construction.

♦ ♦ ♦*♦

The gross weekly business of the General Electric Company
since the first of the year is reported a running about $3,000,000
per week, or at any rate of over $150,000,000 a year. The largest
business the company ever did was in 1913, when the total was
over $111,000,000. Special activity is reported in the steam
turbine department.

A special committee reporting on the cost of turning out elec-
tricity at the city plant in Groton, Conn., estimates the cost of
production with a new plant at 2.1 per kw-hr allowing for depre-
ciation. The Connecticut Power Co. offered to furnish power to
the borough on the basis of a load averaging 2700 kw-hr. per day,
which is the same as now carried, for 1.4 cents per kw-hr.

The proposition will probably be accepted.

* *• *
Strong efforts are being made by the 25,000 electric light con-
sumers in Washington to secure a lower rate from the Potomac
Electric Power Co. The present rate is 10 cents per kw-hr. for the
first 120 hours, all in excess 5 cents, with a $1.00 per month min-
imum charge. It is contended that the Washington rate is
higher than that of all other cities in the country of equal popula-
tion with the exception of Boston, Milwaukee and Newark.

v v *f*

The Government report on the development of Potomac water
power at Great Falls, some distance above Washington estimated
the cost, providing for 20,000 horsepower, at somewhat less than
$10,000,000. There is considerable opposition to the plant on ac-
count of the very high cost per horsepower, which runs nearly
ten times that of a modern steam turbine plant of the same capa-
city.

<$. <$■ 4»

The Iowa Power & Light Company at Cedar Rapids is about
ready to turn on the current from their Towa "Falls plant for the
electric service at Dows. The current will be sold at 15 cents per
kw-hr. for the first ten units used and 10 cents for each unit in
excess. The town will also pay $32.00 a year for 100 c. p. street
lights. The town has heretofore been served with direct current,
but the change to alternating is expected to affect only a few fan

motors.

<!» <g» <$»

The municipal light plant at Tacoma, Washington has put a
new domestic service rate of 5 cents per kw-hr. into effect.
This is said to be the lowest light rate for domestic service in
the country.

Water power generated-current is being sold for from $1.00
to $1.25 a month per kilowatt capacity installed at Rupert and
Burley in Idaho, where three out of every four houses, large and
small, are electrically heated. This cheap power is sold as a by-
product of the irrigation plant which has converted a sage-brush
desert into a prosperous farming country during the last few
years.

. 4» *** ♦*♦

The California Railroad Commission in granting the applica-
tion of the Great Western Power Compay of Califonia to issue
$27,498,600 par value of common capital stock, $5,263,200 par val-
ue of 7 per cent, preferred stock and $5,000,000 face value ten-
year 6 per cent, of convertible gold debentures for the purpose of
acquiring the stock of the Great Western Power Company and to
provide funds for extensions and improvements, has imposed
the unsual condition that each certificate of common stock so
issued shall recite that the Railroad Commission has been unable
to ascertain to what extent the capital stock of the Great West-
ern Power Company, at the time of its issue, represented tangible
value.

ELECTRICAL AGE

February, 1916

The Hull (Mass.) municipal electric light plant has been
permanently shut down, the town now buying its electricity
from the Weymouth Electric Company.

In passing from municipally made to purchased electric power
the town expects to make an annual saving of $700.

The General Service Company, of Indiana and the Indiana
Lighting Company, owning utility properties in various cities in
Indiana valued at a total of $10,632,000, propose to affect a
merger. These companies have about 53,000 customers to
whom they are furnishing gas, electric, water and heating service.
♦ <• ♦

It is reported from Utah that a 6,000 horsepower hydro-
electric plant will be built at Logan River near Temple Fork.
Construction is to start as soon as the weather permits A 14,500
horsepower project on the east fork of Lake River in Wasatch
Countv is also under consderation.

The Electro-Dynamic Company, makers of a line of inter-
pole motors, reports business sufficiently good to justify an in-
crease in the size of their plant at Bayonne, N. J.

A A A

V " V

According to the Minneapolis Journal "the costly effect of
competition in public utilities that are naturally monopolies
is strikingly illustrated by comparison with electric rates in
Minneapolis and St. Paul." St. Paul is paying 9.9 net per kw-hr.
while Minneapolis is paying 8.5 net with a 5 per cent, discount.
Reasons for this are thought to be cost of competition, cost of
business-getting and the 5 per cent, gross earnings tax paid to the
city, in the case of St. Paul.

a a ■&■

The Dayton (Ohio) Power & Light Company expects to spend
about $1,000,000 on the construction of a 110,000 kilowatt steam
turbine plant just south of the city. It is said that this plant
will be the largest between Pittsburgh and Chicago.

The 1915 report of the Public Service Commission having
jurisdiction over the city of New York showed that during the
year the Commission awarded contracts aggregating $26,000,000,
of which $20,000,000 were for .subway and elevated railroad con-
struction.

The report also states that the Commission's running expenses
for the year were about $3,600,000, of which $3,000,000 were
devoted to rapid transit. The Commission's employes now num-
ber bout 2300, and it claims to have done a larger amount of
work during the year just closed than at any other time since its
organization eight years ago. An interesting feature of this
report is that for the first time since the Commission's ex-
istence the total earnings of the street railway traffic under its
jurisdiction, are less than the preceding year by about $5,570,000
This decerase, for some reason which is not very clear, is at-
tributed to the European war.

♦*♦ ♦♦♦ ♦**

The Bailey Meter Company has been incorporated in Boston,

Mass., by E. G. Bailey. The line of meters which they will

manufacture has been developed during the past six years in

the Mechanical Engineering Department of the Fuel Testing

Company, of Boston. Mr. Bailey will devote his entire time

to the new company, but the Fuel Testing Company will continue

its regular line of work under the direction of W. B. Calkins,

who has been a partner of Mr. Bailey in the latter company.
a a .a

The public utilities of the Dist. of Columbia and the Public
Utilities Commission are co-operating in an electrolysis survey
of Washington.

* * *
The Rockford (111.) Electric Company has announced a re-
duction in rates of from 10 to 15 per cent, in domestic electric
service.

♦♦♦ A <♦
The Minneapolis General Electric Company will reduce their
domestic electric rate from 9 cents to 8 cents per kw-hr. after
March 1st.

A **«• *;♦

The General Railway & Power Company, Atlanta, Ga., who
developed the Tallulah Falls power plant, is projecting another
large extension of its power system.
a a a

The city of Milwaukee, Wis., has voted to issue bonds for
$750,000 to begin construction on a city electric light and power
plant.

a a a

By way of insuring continuity of its service in Lansing, Mich.,
the Michigan Power Company is spending about $50,000 in con-
structing a duplicate distribution trunk line sytem.

A A A

The San Antonio Gas & Electric Company, of San Antonio,
Tex., has reduced its rate of domestic electric service from 12
cents to 10 cents per kw-hr.

A street lighting contract, longer than a year, as has hitherto
been the custom, is asked by the Philadelphia Electric Com-
pany, which claims that in order to be able to give the best
service the contract should be drawn for not less than five
years.

The city is now paying $97.00 a year each for 3,000 arc lights
on the underground circuits and $81:25 for about 11,000 lamps
fed from overhead circuits.

A A A .

It is probable that a stiff rate war for light and power bus-
iness will take place in Los Angeles between the Los Angeles
Gas & Electric Corporation on one hand and the city's municipal
activities on the other.

A A A

V V V

The Martinsburg Power Co., of Martinsburg, West Virginia,
has again gone into the hands of a receiver. This company is
capitalized with $500,000 and operates two plants on the Potomac
River and a steam plant in Martinsburg. The receivership was
asked to prevent costly litigation in the Federal courts.

A A A

A campaign for the construction of a municipal light and pow-
er plant in Springfield, Mo., was defeated. The local company
reduced its rate from 10 cents to 9 cents per kw-hr. and 5 per
cent, discount, taking effect February ist.

A *♦♦ A

It is reported that the Workingmen's Compensation Board of
Pennsylvania has granted the Reading Transit & Light Com-
pany, of Reading, Pa., exemption from insurance under the
State law of 1915. The same privilege has been extended to the
Metropolitan Electric Company, the Oley Valley Railway Com-
pany, the Neversink A'lountain Railway Company and the Leban-
on Railway & Light Company, all operating in the region around
Lebanon and Reading.

A A ♦♦♦• „

The public utilities in the Imperial and Coachella valleys, con-
sisting of an electric plant, transmission line and electric railway
have been sold by W. F. Holt to the Southern Sierras Powei
Company, Riverside, Cal., for a price approximating $1,500,000.
*t* **♦ *X*

The contention of the Colorado Power Company that it had
certain vested rights in the Government lands, on which its
$3,000,000 hydro-electric plant is located, was disposed of in the
Federal Court at Denver, and unless the company pays a rental
of $100 a month the property will be seized by the Government.

A -A- -A

The General Gas & Electric Company controlling a line of
electric, gas and railway properties in Vermont, New York,
Pennsylvania and Ohio reports an increase in gross earnings
during the past year in all of its constituent companies, the ag-
gregate being $227,532, or 10.3 per cent. This company's proper-
ties are operated by W. S. Barstow & Co., New York. They are
planning various improvements during the coming year.

February, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

At a meeting of the Society for Electrical Development it was
decided to open a Spring House-Wiring Campaign to be con-
ducted somewhat on the same lines of the Electrical Prosperity
League last fall. Details will be announced following an early
meeting of a committee of representative manufacturers and
others interested.

The annual meeting of the Western New England section of
the National Association of Electrical Inspectors took place on
January 12th at Hartford, Conn., and was attended by repre-
sentatives of the Connecticut Electrical Contractors' Association,
the Masschusetts Electrical Contractors' Association and State
members of the National Electric Light Association.

An interesting paper on "Concentric Wiring," the method now
used in England, was read by Past President Thomas A. Day,
accompanied by pictures and samples of fitting illustrating the
subject.

<* *> *

It is announced that the annual convention of the American
Institute of American Engineers will be held at Cleveland, Ohio,
next June. About 700 delegates are expected from the United
States, Canada and Mexico.

*♦* ♦♦* ^

Two hundred members of the Buffalo branch of the National
Electric Light Association recently heard a very interesting talk
by Archer A. Landon, vice-president and general manager of
the American Radiator Co. on the European way and its effects
on manufacture.

*♦♦ *t* ♦♦♦

The Illuminating Engineering Society will hold its mid-winter

convention in New York City, February 10th and nth, at the

Engineering Societies' Building, 29 West 39th Street, at which

time it will also celebrate the tenth anniversary of its existence.

♦J* ♦♦♦ ♦♦♦

"National Preparedness" was the subject of a splendid address
given by Mr. Stevens Heckscher before The Philadelphia Elec-
tric Company Section N. E. L. A. on December 20th at the
New Century Drawing Rooms. This was followed by a short
address by Lieutenant-Commander Payne, of the U. S. Naval
Home, Phila.

♦** <$► ♦$*

The meeting of the Detroit Engineering Society on January
7th was addressed by Edwin Henderson, attorney, on the sub-
ject of "Bonus and Penalty Clauses in Contracts."
*** *♦* **♦

The Wisconsin Electrical Association and the Wisconsin Gas
Association will hold their annual convention at the Hotel
Pfister, Milwaukee, on March 15, 16 and 17.

Personal

H. C. Eddy, former engineer of the Public Utilities Commis-
sion, employed in the electrical department of the District,
has resigned his position to become electrical engineer in the
Navy Department.

& *• ^

As the directors' meeting of the James Leffel & Co., Spring-
field, Ohio, Mr. John A. Bookwalter was elected president to fill
the vacancy caused by the death of his uncle, John W. Book-
waiter. Mr. Bookwalter has been vice-president and treasurer
of the company for a number of years. It is reported that the
plant is doing more business this year than last and the pros-
pects are very bright for the future.

*$■* ^ •*$•■

A. M. Moore, Atlanta, Ga., has been appointed to the newly
created office of superintendent of equipment in the Georgia
Railway and Power Company's organization. Mr. Moore has
been master mechanic for several years with offices in the Fulton
County plant.

♦♦♦ ■$♦ $.

J. D. Bowles, superintendent of the electrical department of

the Springfield Gas & Electrical Company, of Springfield, Mo.,

has been named chairman of a committee of the Association of

the Missouri Public Utilities Companies to draft uniform rules

and regulations governing the construction of overhead and

underground lines maintained by the electric light and traction

companies of Missouri.

»+» ♦♦♦ ♦♦♦

The Lux Manufacturing Company, Hoboken, announces that
they have appointed their former advertising manager. Mr. R. A.
Barenberg, as General Sales Manager. Mr. Berenberg was born
in Boston and has been in the incandescent lamp business over
twenty years. He learned the trade under the supervision of
his father, Mr. Adolph Berenberg, one of the pioneers of the
lamp business.

■•$* *$* ■•$*

Changes resulting from the recent decease of Mr. W. A. Con-
nor, late vice-president of the Standard Underground Cable
Co., have made Mr. P. H. W. Smith vice-president and assistant
general manager. Mr. C. W. Davis becomes vice-president and
general manager in place of Mr. Smith and is succeeded as man-
ager of the Central sales department of Pittsburgh district by
Mr. Arthur A. Anderson.

Mr. C. C. Baldwin has been made vice-president of the com-
pany and general manager of the Perth Amboy plant; Mr. Tracy
D. Waring, assistant manager of the lead cable works there;
Mr. Albert C. Meyers, superintendent of the rubber wire fac-
tory and Mr. E. J. Waring, assistant purchasing agent.

The thirty-ninth annual convention of the National Electric
Association will be held during the week of May 22, 1916 in
Chicago. Headquarters will be at the Congress and Auditorium
Hotels.

♦♦♦ *fr ♦>

The Electrical Contractors' Assocoation of New York State
held their annual convention at the Hotel McAlpin in New York
City on January 17 and 18. The convention was addressed by
Assemblyman Powers, of Rochester; Comm. Williams, of the
Department of Water Supply, Gas & Electricity, New York City ;
Mr. Forsythe and Mr. Bruen of the Board of Underwriters,-
and J. P. Ryan, of the New York City commission for the licens-
ing of writers, and J. P. Ryan, of the New York City commis-
sion for the licensing of electricians. The semi-annual meet-
ing will take place in New York City in June. Buffalo has been
selected for the next annual meeting on January 17, 1917.-
<£♦ ♦$► 4*

The fifteenth semi-annual session of the Missouri Electrical
Contractors' Association took place at Kansas City, Mo., on
January 15.

John A. Hill, president of the Hill Publishing Co., New York,
died suddenly Tuesday morning, January 5, in his automobile
while on the way to his office, Mr. Hill had just left his home
in East Orange when he was stricken with heart weakness.

Born Feb. 22, 1858, near Bennington, Vt., Mr. Hill removed
with his parents soon afterward to Wisconsin. At the age of
fourteen he entered a printing office and served six years at the
trade, leaving it to become a locomotive engineer. In 1856 he
founded the Pueblo, Col. Daily Press. In the early nineties Mr.
Hill was elected president and treasurer of the publishing firm
which bears his name, and since that time had published Ameri-
can Machinist, Power, Coal Age, Engineering News and other
mechanical trade journals.

*♦* ^ *♦*

W. C. Anderson, vice-president and general manager of the
Canton Electric Company, Canton, O., died December 23rd. He
had been manager of the Canton electric light plant for fifteen
years.

m^WMWWM^m

Alabama

Alabama Port. — Tidewater Securities Corp. of Mobile proposes
establishing an electric light plant.

Demopolis. — The Demopolis El. Lt. & Pwr. Co. is contem-
plating placing its boilers in steel settings. G. D. Cornish is
superintendent. ,

Fairhope. — An electric light plant will be constructed here,
for which the city will issue $5,ooo bonds. Engineer is* Xavier
A. Kramer, Magnolia, Miss.

Hurtsboro. — City will vote on $9,000 bonds for light and pow-
er plant extensions.

Moulton. — The Moulton Water Works will install an electric
plant at this place, the equipment to include a 15 or 20-hp. crude
oil engine (double cylinder) for electric lighting and 15-kw.
compound generator direct-current belt-driven from above en-
gine.

Russelville.— It is rumored that the Sloss-Sheffield Steel &
Iron Co., Birmingham, will construct a $50,000 central electric
plant.

Arkansas

Booneville. — Booneville Light & Power Co. will construct a
28-mi. transmission line to supply four towns with electricity,
and will install equipment for street lighting and distributing
systems, meters, etc. Require material for 4-mi. 2300-v. line for
one town ; contemplate three installations, using single-phase
motors from 5 to 25 horsepower.

Gravette. — City contemplates improvements to electric light
plant, and will install boilers, generators, and pumps. E. H.
Crayton, Supt.

Hartford. — City plans bond issue for the purpose of con-
structing electric light plant and water works.

Morrillton. — The Morrillton Light & Power Co. has been ac-
quired by the Arkansas Light & Power Co., of Arkadelphia. The
latter will rebuild the power station and install equipment, in-
cluding engines, generators and boilers ; also rebuild distribution
system and construct 6 mi. transmission lines to connect Plumer-
ville. J. F. Mullins is the local manager.

Newark. — The Newark Canning Co. are contemplating the in-
stallation of a 300 to 500-light a.c. lighting system.

Sulphur Rock. — An electric light plant will be constructed here
by Smith Bros.

Florida

Clearwater. — Surveys are being made for an electric railway
to be constructed from Tampa to Clearwater on the west coast,
a distance of 30 miles. E. W. Parker, Curry Building, Clear-
water, is interested.

New Port Richey. — R. L. Gillet anticipates installing village
electric light plant.

Palatka. — It is rumored that the Sou'hern Utilities Co., of
Jacksonville, will install a generating equipment to furnish 3-
phase, 60-cycle alternating current day and night at the plant
of the Palatka Ice Co.

Waldo. — The organization of a company to construct an elec-
tric-light and ice plant in Waldo is being promoted by the Board
of Trade.

Georgia

Graymont. — The contract for construction of an electric-light
plant to supply electricity in Graymont and Summit has been
awarded to the Singleton-Smith Co., Macon. The cost is esti-
mated at about $10,000.

Griffin. — Light, Water & Sewage Comm. plans the extension
of ornamental street-lighting system ; to install 15 series incan-
descent street lamps.

Juliette. — Juliette Milling Co. may extend electric-lighting sys-
tem for general public lighting.

Woodland. — Electric light plant will be constructed by city ;
develop 20 hp. ; install 20 hp. oil or gasoline engine and 9 or 10
kw. generator. J. H. Woodall, Engr.
Illinois

Chicago. — During 1916 the Department of Gas and Electricity
will place in service 619 additional arc lamps, 3084 300-watt
incandescent lamps, and 1,372 75-watt lamps. The construction
work necessary for these lamps has practically been completed.
William G. Keith is commissioner of gas and electricity.

Decatur. — The city engineer has been instructed to prepare
plans and estimates for the installation of an ornamental light-
ing system on both sides of South Main street from Lincoln
Square to Washington street, and on the north side of Wood
street from Main to Water street.

Dixon. — The Illinois Northern Utilities Co., Dixon, is erecting
a transmission line to Poplar Grove and will soon furnish elec-
trical service there.

Joliet. — A steam turbine power plant to cost approximately
$1,500,000 will be built two and a half miles southwest of this
place, according to an announcement recently made by J. M.
Strasser, Supt. of Pub. Service Co., of No. Illinois.

Murrayville. — The installation of a municipal electric-lighting
plant in Murrayville is under consideration by the town officials.

Indiana

Anderson. — It is reported that the City Council will authorize
the expenditure of a considerable amount of money to improve
the city light plant with additional equipment, including three
new boilers.

Columbia City. — Plans, it is reported, are being prepared by
Charles Brossman, engineer, Indianapolis, for the installation
of a new generating unit in the municipal electric-light plant.

Newcastle. — The City Council has decided to enlarge the muni-
cipal electric-light plant to supply electricity throughout the city
for lamps and motors. At present the plant only furnishes
street-lighting service. The cost of extension to the plant is
estimated at about $40,000.

South Bend. — A committee has been appointed by Fred W.
Keller, Mayor, to make investigations relative to the establish-
ment of a municipal electric-light plant in South Bend.

Iowa

Ames. — $50,000 will be expended for municipal light and
water-works plant.

Audubon. — The Council has passed an ordinance granting R. G. .
Weiland a franchise to install and operate an electric-light plant
in Audubon.

Dysart. — The Dysart Brick & Tile plant contemplate installing
an outfit for operating their plant with electricity.

Latimer. — The Town Council has granted the Cedar Valley
Pwr. Co., Charles City, a franchise to supply electricty for
lamps and motors in Latimer.

Mapleton. — The installation of an electric light plant in
Mapleton is reported to be under consideration. B. Leitzen is
reported interested.

Sioux City. — The Sioux City Gas & El. Co. is reported to be
contemplating extending its transmission line to Riverside, at a
cost of about $8,000.

Sioux City. — Articles of incorporation were recently filed by
the Ponca Light & Power Co. ; captalized at $50,000. Head-
quarters will be in Sioux City and an electric light plant will
be operated at Ponca, Neb.

February, 1916

E LECTRI'CAL AGE

Waterloo. — The Citizens' Gas & Electric Company expect to
receive an electric franchise for twenty-five years and will erect
a modern power station in this city at a cost of from $700,000
to $800,000, from which they will supply current to many of the
smaller cities in northeastern Iowa.
Kansas

Argonia. — The city of Argonia is contemplating the installa-
tion of a municipal electrical distribution system. Energy to
operate the proposed system will be secured from the municipal
electric plant at Wellington.

Elkhart. — The City Council is considering calling an election
to submit to the voters the proposal to issue bonds for the in-
stallation of water-works system and electric-light plant.

Marion. — An entirely new power station has been built for
the municipal electric-light plant. The old power house was
destroyed by fire last September. An additional 120-hp. Diesel-
engine-driven unit will be installed within the next six months.
D. Hazen is superintendent.

Plains. — Bonds to the amount of $20,000 have been voted for
the installation of an electric lighting and power system in
Plains. H. W. McGruder, Liberal, is engineer.

Riverton. — The Empire District Electric Co. will add a new
steam turbine unit, capable of generating 10,000 horsepower,
auxiliary machinery and buildings to the plant at an approxi-
mate cost of $200,000.

Zenith. — Plans are being considered for the erection of a
transmission line and distribution system for Zenith. Energy to
operate the system will be obtained from the plant at Stafford.
Kentucky

Clay. — The Clay Ice & Light Co. is negotiating with Providence
and Dixon, Ky., to supply electricity, and contemplates building
a 14-mi. transmission line and install a 200-kw. generator and
engine, discontinuing the single-phase machine now used. They
will also install a 300-hp. water-tube boiler.

Kuttawa.— An electric light and power plant will probably be
installed here in September by the Kuttawa Milling Co. Use
storage batteries, not to be operated at night, but to have 48
hours' storage capacity.

Louisa. — Sandy Valley Light & Power Co., Pikeville, Ky., will
build power plant.

Louisville. — The Louisvile Gas & Electric Co. intend to nearly
double the capacity of their plant at 3rd and Washington Sts. ;
will construct addition to present building, erect 250-ft. smoke-
stack, construct parallel cooling tunnel connecting with river,
additional unit of 15,000 kw. capacity, etc.; for which purpose
they contemplate issuing $1,000,000.

Middleboro. — City Commissioners have the erection of an elec-
tric light plant under advisement.

Mt. Sterling. — City contemplates constructing a municipal
electric-light plant. R. A. Chiles, City Atty., will engage con-
sulting engineer to make preliminary survey in regard to the
proposed establishment.

Murray. — City is planning to construct an electric light plant.
Prdvidence. — Bonds to the amount of $20,000, it is reported,
have been sold by the city of Providence, the proceeds to be
used for the installation of a municipal electric-lighting plant.

Louisiana

New Orleans. — New Orleans Ry. & Light Co. is planning to
install street-lighting system at a cost of approximately $160,-
000.

Maryland

Cumberland. — The electric light plant here will be remodeled,
for which purpose the city expects to issue $25,000 bonds.

Sharptown. — A transmission line is being constructed from
Sharptown to Cambridge by the Eastern Shore Gas & Electric
Co. Day & Zimmermann, Gen. Mgrs., 611 Chestnut St., Phila.,
Penn.

Massachusetts

Chicopee. — The Quigley Furnace & Foundry Co. has entered
into a contract (providing for 850 hp.) with the city of Chico-
pee for electrical service from the municipal electric plant. I. T.
Benedict is manager of the municipal plant.

New Bedford. — The New Bedford Gas & Edison Lt. Co. is
contemplating the erection of a 11,000-volt transmission line to
Lakeville. The company is building a 22,000-volt transmission
line (on steel towers) to Wareham. W. H. Snow is general
manager.

North Attleboro. — Plans are being considered by the Electric
Light Department for rebuilding the transmission lines on Chest-
nut and Washington streets, covering a distance of about lzA
miles. Estimates are also being received for placing the wires
underground on South Washington and other streets, a distance
of about 1 mile. William Plattner is superintendent of the
municipal electric-light plant.

Minnesota

Floodwood. — The Cloquet Electric Co. has been granted a
thirty-year franchise. They will also install the poles, string
the wires, furnish the lamps and keep the system in repair.

Blue Earth. — Preparations are being made to change the muni-
cipal electric-light plant from direct current (no volts) to alter-
nating current (2300 volts). It is proposed to install a 250-kw.
generator. The type of engine has not yet been decided upon ;
will use either oil or steam. Don Fitch is superintendent.

Mississippi

Grenada. — It is reported that ornamental lighting system will
be installed on the principal streets by the Municipal Light &
Power Dept.

Oxford. — City is contemplating the installation of 150-kw. gen-
erator and engine, direct-connected, and have issued $6,000 bonds.
J. H. Lawshire, City Clerk.

Pass Christian. — City will erect ornamental electric-light posts.
Xavier A. Kramer, Engr., Magnolia, Miss.

Pontotoc. — -The Pontotoc Electric Light & Power Co. will
change system for single-phase to 3-phase and install 60-kw.,
3-phase generator, 50-hp. oil engine, 40 kva. 3-phase generator
and switchboards.

Missouri

Camden. — An electric light plant will be installed by the Mis-
souri Gas & Electric Service Co.

Higginsville. — City contemplates issuing bonds, $15,000, for
the improvement of electric light plant.

Joplin. — A $100,000 bond issue is contemplated for the im-
provement and extension of the electric-light plant. C. A. Pat-
terson, Commr. of Public Utilities.

Kansas City. — Kansas City Light & Power Co. has incorpo-
rated with a capital of $2,000. The incorporators are : Frank
Hagerman, Clyde Taylor and E. E. Ball. Will do a general elec-
tric business and operate power and heating plants.

Kansas City. — $50,000 bonds have been sold by the city for the
extension of electric-light system.

Kirkville. — City will construct an electric-light plant and remodel
water-works.

Memphis. — The city is planning to construct an electric-light
plant. E. McDaniel, clerk.

Monett. — A substation will be built by the Ozark Power &
Water Co. at a cost of $40,000.

Mount Vernon. — City plans improving electric light plant at
a cost of $10,000.

Slater. — The city of Slater has purchased a 300-hp. Skinner
uniflow engine directly connected to a 250-kva., three-phase,
2300-volt alternator for the municipal electric-light plant A
33,000-volt transmission line (8 miles long) will soon, be put
into operation. Two or three water-tube boilers will probably
be installed. L. E. Shepard is superintendent.

Springfield. — The Young Men's Christian Association is plan-
ning to install an independent electric-light plant.

Springfield. — It is reported that a municipal lighting plant is
to be erected at a cost of $60,000.

Spickard. — City contemplates electric-light system.

Warrenton. — Warrenton Electric Light, Ice & Power Co. antici-
pate constructing 6600-volt, 3-phase transmission line to
Wright City ; 8 mi.

7°

ELECTRICAL AGE

February , ; :i,9 r 6

Nebraska

Ainsworth.~The Ainsworth Lt. & Pwr. Co. is reported to be
■considering the installation of a turbo-generator in the spring.

Bloornfield. — The Bloomfield El. Co. is planning to establish a
24-hour service by June 1, 1916. Lew B. Knudsen is proprietor.

Dawson. — The State Railway Commission has granted the
Dawson El. Lt. & Pwr. Co. permission to erect a transmission
line between Dawson and Humboldt. It is proposed to secure
energy from the electric plant in Humboldt to operate the sys-
tem in Dawson.

Edgar.— The municipal electric plant is now being rebuilt, a
three-phase, three-wire, 2300-volt alternating-current system
being installed. It will be completed in about two months. R.
C. Strawser is general superintendent.

New York

Esopus. — Sargo Co. has incorporated with a capital of $150,000.
Will manufacture machinery, steam traps, temperature regula-
tors, engineering, electrical and railway supplies, etc. M. D.
Isrel, 201 West 107th St., New York City; G. Huber, 1390 E.
15th St.; G. E. Kammerle, 1034 Forest Ave., Brooklyn, are the
incorporators.

New York. — Nesco Corp. is the name of a company recently
incorporated, capitalized at $25,oco; electrical and engineering sup-
plies, steam packing, rubber goods, etc. J. P. Nolan, L. & R. A.
Manes, 7 Manhattan Ave., are the incorporators.

New York. — Independent Electric Lighting Corp., capitalized
at $5,000; transportation, electricity for light, heat and power.

New York. — Articles of incorporation have been filed by The
Ringwald-Vogel-Goldberg Co.; capital $25,000; electricity, special-
ties, supplies.

New York. — The Universal Electrical Supply Co., manufac-
turers of wireless telegraph and telephone apparatus, general
contracting and electrical business has incorporated with a capital
of $10,000. Nicolas Macoluso, Mildred Goldsmith, Albert Rubin,
Manhattan, are the incorporators.

New York. — European Carbon Corp., capitalized at $5,000,
carbon, carbon products, electrical appliances, machinery equip-
ment; H. Gugler, C. Monash, L. Hopkins, No. 1,564 Broadway.

Rockwood. — Plans are being prepared by Morrell Vroom, con-
sulting engineer, Gloversville, for a 1,000-hp. hydro-electric power
development and storage dam of 100,000,000 cu. ft. capacity for
the Rockwood Mfg. Co. Work will begin as soon as the weather
permits in the spring.

Seneca Falls. — A company to be known as the Seneca Power
Corporation, has been organized by the water-power owners for
the purpose of constructing a hydro-electric power plant just
below the new dam in Seneca Falls. The officers of the com-
pany are: Henry R. Micks, president; Paul B. Kendig, vice-
president; Henry B. Cutter, secretary; C. W. Maier, treasurer.

North Carolina

Washington. — Articles of incorporation have been filed by the
Washington Lighting Co., capitalized at $150,000, the incorpora-
tors being J. T. Bland and Stephen C. Bragan, of Washington,
and Clawson Bachman, of Philadelphia, Pa.
North Dakota

Van Hook. — The installation of an electric-light plant by the
town is under advisement.

Sheldon. — The Town Council has passed an ordinance grant-
ing Frank E. Corson & Co. a franchise to construct and operate
an electric-lighting system in Sheldon.

Ohio

Cannelville. — The power-house of the Rise Hill Mining Co.
was recently destroyed by fire at a loss of $15,000.

Cleveland. — The Joseph Philips Company, dealing in electric
and gas appliances, has been incorporated with a capital of $10,-
000. Joseph Philips, Milton Philips, Eugene E. Wolf, Julius
Bloomberg and M. G. Sloss are the incorporators.

Cleveland. — The Fitch Electric Company has filed articles of
incorporation, capitalized at $30,000; general electric business;
J. A. Fitch, A. T. Fitch, S. A. Armstrong, F. H. McCollough
and Philip R. White are the incorporators.

Cleveland. — The Elliott-Thompson Electric Company has in-
corporated with a capital of $20,000. The incorporators are
J. N. Elliott, M. B. Elliott, T. Thompson, J. P. Elliott, Ted
Howard.

Cleveland. — Articles of incorporation were recently filed by a
firm operating as the Service Electrical Company, capitalized at
$10,000, Maurice Harbinsky, Max Simon and Benjamin Stern
being the incorporators.

Dayton. — The Dayton Power & Light Company contemplate
constructing a mammoth power plant at Miller's Ford, south of
this city, at an approximate cost of $1,000,000.

Dresden. — The Dresden Electric Light is the name of a cor-
poration just formed by Maxwell Frazier, Wm. C. Lemert, C.
M. Haas and Wm. A. Walcutt, with a capital of $10,000.

Kent. — Plans are being considered for the installation of a
municipal electric-light plant to cost about $35,000.
Oklahoma

Durant. — The Durant Ice & Light Co. will construct a high-
tension line to Caddo.

Enid. — The Enid Electric & Gas Co. is reported to construct
a transmission system to furnish light and power to Lahoma.

Gotebo. — The Gotebo Lt. & Pwr. Co. is now installing a 25-
kva. generating unit and changing its system from direct cur-
rent to alternating current. J. A. Litel is president and man-
ager.

Mountain View. — City voted $8,000 bonds for electic-light
plant.

Stratford. — The proposal to issue $10,000 in bonds for the
installation of a municipal electric-lighting plant will soon be
submitted to the voters.

Tuttle. — The installation of an electric-light plant in Tuttle is
under consideration by the City Council.
Pennsylvania

Alburtis. — The Lehigh Valley Lt. & Pwr. Co., Allentown, has
been granted a franchise to supply electricity for lamps and
motors in Alburtis. The transmission lines will be extended
from Macungie, a distance of about 3 miles.

Bethlehem. — The Roller-Smith Electrical Company is building
a $30,000 addition to its plant, and will increase the number of
its employees.

Harrisburg.— Charters have been granted by the State to
the following companies : The Farmers' El. Cos. of East Lam-
peter Township, of Manheim Township and of Upper Leacock
Township, all in Lancaster County. Each company is capital-
ized at $5,000 and John H. Ware is treasurer.

Philadelphia. — Plans are being prepared by William Steele &
Sons, architects, 1600 Arch street, Philadelphia, for the erection
of four five-story brick and reinforced concrete buildings to
occupy an entire city block between Twenty-fifth, Twenty-sixth,
Reed and Dickinson streets for S. B. & B. W. Fleischer, Inc.
The main power plant will be va the center of the block. The
total cost of the project is estimated at $1,000,000.

Pottsville. — The Eastern Pennsylvania Light, Heat & Power
Company is the title under which eight electric service companies
recently received charters to operate in Schuylkill County, and
in addition will bear the name of the locality in which they will
operate. Each company is capitalized at $5,000; have combined
offices at Pottsville. The incorporators are: W. B. Rockwell,
Vandusen Rickert and Ira G. Walborn.

Philadelphia. — An ordinance has been iitroduced in the City
Council asking for an appropriation for lighting in the city hall
from 6 p. m. to 12 p. m. every night in the year. The plans
provide for installation of additions to the present plant and
additional lamps to flood the William Penn statue, to cost about
$9,000. The Mayor has extended tre original plans to include
the installation of 200 lamps on- Broad street, from Oregon to
Albany avenue, which will increase the cost to about $20,000.

FkliklJARY, igi6

ELECTRICAL

AGE

icnncssec

Humboldt. — The city is planning the extension of the electric-
light system to small towns within a radius of 12 miles.

Kingsport.— The Federal Dyestuff & Chemical Co., of 30 Pine
St., New York, will construct a steam-driven electric power
plant here at an approximate cost of $100,000; equipment to
include steam turbine-drive a.c. generators and either rotary
converters or motor generator sets. The engineering and erect-
ing contract has been awarded to the Southwestern Engineering
Co., Bristol, Va.-Tenn.

Kingsport.— The Clinchfield Portland Cement Corp. contem-
plates building a 7,000 to 10,000-kw. electric power-distributing
station, and will extend and enlarge their present power plant
for this purpose. The plans contemplate most modern design
with latest power-generating machinery. Full details can be ob-
tained from L. L. Griffiths, Gen. Supt. Kingsport.

Nashville. — Nashville Railway & Light Co. will install sub-
power station between West Nashville and West End car lines.

Sevierville. — Sevierville Milling Co. will construct a lighting
plant.

Friendship. — Local electric-light plant is reported to have been
purchased by W. H. Sudbury. The new owner, it is understood,
will make improvements to the property.

Texas

Beeville. — Plans have been completed for the improvement of
the Texas Southern Electric Co.'s plant.

Bryan. — It is rumored that the city is contemplating the con-
struction of an ornamental lighting system, consisting of 54
standards on Main St.

Center. — The Texas Southern Electric Co. has purchased the
Pittman Ice & Light Co. plant which they will improve, re-
construct wiring, install new machinery and remodel old equip-
ment.

E1E

3E1E

3 r=j G

DEJE

3E3

EXCLUSIVE MANUFACTURERS
OF

"FULLMAN"
FLOOR OUTLETS

ADJUSTABLE
AND
NON-ADJUSTABLE
TYPES

WRITE FOR CATALOG

STEEL CITY ELECTRIC CO.

1207-1219 Columbus Avenue
PITTSBURGH, PA.

bl Ell I EH 1 E3 1 igar 11=1 J|

LaPorte.— LaPorte Water, Light & Ice Co. contemplates build-,
ing 3 mi. transmission lines; poles have been purchased. -

McAllen. — McAllen's Public Service Corporation will expend
$25,000 for machinery for new electric light plant.

Marble Falls. — M. M. Barry, lessee of the local electric light
and water plant, contemplates installing new machinery and mak-
ing other improvements.

Nixon. — The City Council has been petitioned for franchise
to build electric light plant. ,

San Angelo. — Crowther-Shield Electric Co. has been incor-
porated with a capital of $.3,000. Incorporators : Lawrence West-
brook, J. E. Crowther and J, A. Shield.

Sherman. — Texas Traction Co. will rebuild burned substation.

Sour Lake. — Sour Lake Ice & Light Co. contemplate incorpo-
ration and will operate combined electric light and ice plant ;
will construct brick or cement building; total estimated cost
$40,000.

Troup. — Troup Light & Power Co. will install 50-hp. oil engine
and 40-kw. generator.

Virginia

Boyce. — The Northern Virginia Power Co., of Winchester,
contemplates constructing an electrical transmission line from
Boyce to Riverton via White Post.

West Virginia
Buckhannon. — The city of Buckhannon is considering the pur-
chase of the property of D. T. Farnsworth and is planning to
convert it into a power house to furnish electricity for the city
and to establish a high-pressure water system.

55,000-VOLTS

No. 3057

For your proposed 55,000 Volt Line use "THOMAS"
3057. Height — 10 inches over all. Diameter across head
—12 inches. Weight 23 lbs.

Blue Print and Complete Data upon request.

Other suitable designs for all voltages.
Write for No. 12 Catalogue

The R. THOMAS & SONS CO.

Main Office: EAST LIVERPOOL, OHIO

SALES OFFICES:

61 Broadway, New York 1 290 Old Colony Bldg., Chicago

C nadian Agents: Northern Electric Co., Ltd.

ELECTRICAL AGE

February, 1916

The dignified beauty of the
wonderful architecture of an-
cient Greece has provided
inspiration for architects
craftsmen and artists for
countless years and yet has
lost nothing of its old power
to attract and entrance the
beholder

Its fame is perpetuated in
Jefferson Doric Illuminating
Glass which embodies all the
characteristic dignity of form
of the Doric architectural
order

We originated the Doric
motif in illuminating glass
and only in Jefferson Quality
products can it be secured at
its best

MADE IN AMERICA

THE LOCKE INSULATOR MFC. Co.

VICTOR. N.Y. U.S.A.

"VICTOR"

High Voltage Insulators

Are of First Quality

The 1915 Edition of the Insulator Book
will soon be issued. Please send us
your address for a copy.

Kuhlman Economy

isn't based on cheap construction or low price, but on honest
workmanship, careful choice of material, and correct design.
We have been making them for over twenty years, and our
latest models embody all the little refinements of construction
that have been developed during that period.

It isn't the low first cost of a transformer that determine*
its economy. A cheap transformer may cause enough loss
in one month to more than counterbalance the difleience in
price between it and a good one.

The economy of the Kuhlman Transformers lies in the
service they render. They combine the utmost in durability,
economy of operation, low losses and ample space factor.

If you have any knotty problems to solve — our staff of
experts is at your ser-
vice at any time —
without obligation.

Ask Us

About

Recent

Kuhlman

Installations.

Kuhlman
Electric Co.
BAY CITY, MICH.

The National Monthly of Electric Practice
Technical Journal Company, Inc., New York

Vol. 48

MARCH, 1916

No. 3

Some of their Advantages and Costs

The problem of furnishing electricity supplied to iso-
lated communities and consumers has received much at-
tention during the past few years, and is now recognized
as an undertaking deserving the most careful considera-
tion of central station managers. The desirability and
necessity of giving service to outlying territories is un-
questioned— providing the investment and maintenance
charges insure a fair return.

Prior to the building of transmission networks and
high tension distribution feeders radiating from a cen-
tral point to smaller communities, the cost of individual
lines to reach small consumers, combined with the high
cost per kilowatt of switching and protective equipment,
practically closed a field now being rapidly developed.

The outdoor substation, as has been frequently point-
ed out, owes its origin to the desire of the power com-
pany to reach the small, out of the way, consumer. This
prospective customer, possibly a farmer desiring to in-
st all electric light and power, or a small manufacturer
or even a village with a few street lights, could not, for
a number of years at least, purchase power in sufficient
quantity to make the construction of an indoor station
an economical proposition.

Therefore, before the advent of the outdoor substa-
tion, it was generally necessary for the farmer to get
along without electric power, and for the manufacturer
either to install a small power plant of his own, or to
joint with some of his neighbors in building a co-opera-
tive plant, with "a short distribution line between them.
The former was uneconomical for the manufacturer,
and not a source of revenue to the power company, while
the latter might also in course of time become a serious
competitor.

The consolidation and unification of central station
systems has resulted in a large mileage of transmission
lines passing through districts ready and waiting for
electrical development. The problem of supplying
electrical energy to the rural districts has forced itself
to the front as a real commercial and utility
proposition, and the large number of isolated plants
installed at high expense and operated under great dis-
advantage is an indication that the rural population is
demanding and will secure electric service.

A few central station managers still believe that high

tension distribution will not pay. If the plant were to
supply a single consumer or a small group at a consider-
able distance from the generating station, it must be
admitted that such an opinion would be valid, but the
supplying of current from high tension transmission
systems is not being developed along such narrow lines.
The problem has resolved itself into the building of
lines from a large-capacity centralized plant to a definite
point where a load of suitable characteristics to justify
the expense can be secured. From these high tension
feeders branches are run to farmers, mills, stone quar-
ries, grain elevators, irrigation projects, railway pump-
ing installations, dairy farms, canning factories, brick
or tile plants, excavating shovels, etc.

SUPERSEDING OF SMALL GENERATING STATIONS

The small generating station supplying a town or
village is at a distinct disadvantage in the generation
and distribution of electricity as compared to the larger
stations. This condition is due to the small amount of
power generated, the poor load factor, and the fact that
the enterprise does not justify the employment of high
class engineers or operators characteristic of larger sys-
tems. Small generating stations will, therefore, be quite
generally superseded by outdoor sub-stations tapping
high tension transmission lines.

With one or more small towns as a nucleus, the trans-
mission line is built — the first step towards supplying
an entire district or even county from a centralized
plant. Supplying of power along the main transmission
lines then becomes a comparatively simple matter, and
many possible installations heretofore considered unde-
sirable come to the front as good commercial invest-
ments. In addition to supplying current to those who
heretofore have without its conveniences, the various
isolated plants in a given territory will gradually be
connected and tend to help raise the load factor of the
entire system.

SOME TYPICAL SUBSTATIONS

A single transformer attached to a pole represents
the outdoor substation in its primitive form. Then for
heavier loads, two or three transformers are mounted
on a platform between two poles, with the switches
above, or on adjoining poles.

ELECTRICAL AGE

March, 1916

Fig. 1 shows the cheapest type of station, 11,000
volts. The platform is mounted on two poles and the
lightening protection apparatus is mounted on a sep-
arate pole.

Bl^tI 4

!/ aP

fcP£ -'^

**#; ^ -

»nff"'iiH

iSiS^i

i ■■■

Til

1 1

/'tfl'. 1 — A Simple, 3-phase Wooden Substation

Fig. 2 shows a station of this type for a 22,000-volt
line. It consists of four wooden poles with the switches
and protective apparatus at the top mounted on galvan-
ized steel channels, and the transformers resting on a
wooden platform supported by channels.

Fig. 2 — A Better Type of Wooden Substation

Fig. 3 shows a 33,000-volt, 900-kv-a. substation at

11 Hi \ 1

A'fif. 3 — Combined Wood and Steel Substation

frame and the transformers rest on a concrete platform.
To the writer, this seems a preferable arrangement, as
it keeps the heavy transformers near the ground where
they can be more easily inspected and repaired. The
butts ■ of "the poles shown in the photograph surrounding
the platform are to carry a wire fence to keep too in-
quisitive strangers at a safe distance.

Many of the smaller substations built of steel have
their transformers up in. the air, and are provided with
one or more jib cranes for handling them. It would
seem, in general, more desirable to carry the transform-
ers on a concrete or steel platform near the ground and
if necessary to provide a fence for the protection of the
public. This is almost invariably the custom with the
larger stations.

Bennington, Vt. The switches are supported on a pipe Fig. 4 — Galvanised Steel Substation and Line Tower Adjacent

March, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

Fig. 5 — Galvanised Steel Substation Details

Fig. 5 shows a galvanized steel outdoor substation of
the Virginia Power Co., at Mt. Hope, W. Va. Fig. 4
shows the location of the station with respect to the
transmission line, and Fig. 6 shows details of the wiring

Fig. 6 — Details of Another Modern Substation

on the switches and transformers for a similar station
of the same company.

With the perfection of the equipment for outdoor
service made necessary by the requirements of the small
outdoor substation, there has come into existance the
large outdoor station, in direct competition with the
indoor station. The largest of these yet- in operation
is the Atlanta substation of the Georgia Railway and
Power Co. This has a present capacity of 30,000 and an
ultimate of 60,000 kw. with a voltage of 110,000.

Many of these larger stations are of a combination
type, in which the high voltage and bulkier apparatus,
which would make an in-indoor station large and costly,
are placed outside, while some of the lower voltage
secondary equipment is placed inside.

OUTDOOR SUB-STATION COSTS

When considering the use of outdoor sub-station
equipment, one of the first questions is — how much will
it cost ? As a ready reference in making up cost esti-
mates, the values — given a little further on from
actual practice under normal market conditions — can
be used. The present tendency toward increase in cost
of raw material should be taken into consideration when
making estimates. Furthermore, the prices of equip-
ment include standard horn gap lighting arresters — and
when more expensive forms are used the cost will be
correspondingly increased.

The principal advantage of the outdoor substation
over the indoor type, and, as has already been pointed
out, the main cause of its popularity to-day, is its lower
first cost. This is especially true for the smaller and
middle sized stations where the saving is probably from
a third to a half. For those of the larger class, where
the combined indoor-outdoor type is necessary, the eco-
nomy over an all-indoor station is sometimes not so evi-
dent. The equipment which is placed out of doors re-
duces the size of building necessary, but at the same
time is more expensive, and occupies more ground than
if it were placed inside. Therefore it is possible to con-
ceive of a condition where, with land values high, the
first cost of the indoor station would be the lower. Pos-
siby a saving of from 10 to 15 per cent, would be the
average for this larger size of station.

It is difficult to give figures that would be of much
value as to the cost of outdoor substations. Conditions
in different localities may vary so much that the prob-
lem which can be solved satisfactorily in one place, in
one manner, will require radically different treatment
in another.

The wooden station is generally the cheapest — in first
cost at least. The cost of the equipment decided upon
can be accurately determined from the manufacturers,
and the cost of furnishing and installing the wooden
poles and transformer platform, whether of wood or
concrete, and putting the equipment in place can be
pretty closely estimated, with a knowledge of the loca-
tion and the conditions to be met. The cost of the
structure itself, is only a small part of the total cost
of the- station, so that a fairly accurate estimate can
be prepared.

In general, the first cost of a steel structure will be
from two to four times as much as one of wood. The
steel frame, however, will be stronger, can be expected
to have a much longer life, and will present a neater

ELECTRICAL AGE

March, 1916

appearance. Frequently these properties can be made
use of in securing new business, as the customer will
feel more secure against interruption to service due to
mechanical failure.

With the price of steel advancing as it has recently,
from two to six dollars a ton per month, and with galvan-
izing costing three times what it did at the outbreak of
the war, an accurate estimate of the cost of a steel struc-
ture to-day may be worthless a few months hence.
Copper, of course, has also advanced to high prices, but
fortunately the cost of equipment, of foundations and
of labor have not risen so rapidly, so that the total cost
of the completed substation will not show so great a
proportionate increase.

The approximate cost of a steel frame similar to that
shown in Fig. 6, based on present market conditions,
and erected on concrete f oundations ready for equip-
ment should be about as follows. The station is 21 ft.
long, 8 ft. wide and 17 ft. from the ground to the top
of steel, and is designed to carry 3 250-kv-a. transform-
ers.

Steel (painted and delivered at site) = $300.00
Erection = 75-00

Foundations = 100.00

Total = $475 -oo

For galvanized instead of painted material, the cost
should be

Steel (galvanized and delivered at site) = $425.00
Erection = 75 .00

Foundations = 100.00

Total = $600.00

These figures are for average conditions only. A
considerable part of the items for erection and founda-

tions will be for getting men, plant and materials to the
site, so will vary greatly with the location.

It is evident that so long as galvanizing remains at
its present abnormal figures, there will be a considerable
economy in using a painted structure, and painting it
in two, three or four year periods.

Another advantage for the outdoor station is the ease
with which it may be extended when conditions demand.

HIGH CAPACITY SUB-STATIONS

A typical high capacity form of steel tower station
is shown in Fig. 8, and is well adapted for use where
large initial or future loads are contemplated. The
standardization of steel tower sub-stations has revolu-
tionized old practice — and will prove a vital feature in
relling power from high tension transmission lines.

Fig. 7 — Substation With Switch House

Fig. 8 — A High Capacity Substation
STEEL TOWER SUB-STATIONS

The outdoor sub-station shown, comprises a support-
ing structure, a high-tension, air-break switch, a set of
primary fuses, choke coils and lightning arresters. The
primary fuses are so located and rated that protection
is secured against current rushes, which would endanger
the transformers.

In case of transformer failure the fuses instantly
clear the line and prevent a local disturbance from
spreading to the main transmission system. Protection
against ordinary overloads or secondary short circuits
is secured by the use of fuses or automatic oil circuit
breakers.

March, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

The high tension switches are so constructed that all
phases are simultaneously opened or closed by means of
a single control handle. Arcing horns prevent burning
of the main contacts during opening.

The lightning arresters are so constructed that they
do not require daily attendance, and limit current How
to ground when discharging.

METERING EQUIPMENT

The usual method of metering power is to install suit-
able meters in a steel housing at the base of the tower,
as shown. This method does not register the trans-
former losses — which, however, are quite constant and
easily computed, and can be allowed for when making
the rate.

The advantage of secondary metering is that the use
of high cost potential and serious transformers neces-
sary when metering the high tension side is avoided.
As a rule, the metering equipment is mounted on a
small panel which also carries an automatic oil circuit
breaker with inverse time element relay. This panel
also carries the necessary feeder switches, indicating
or graphic recording instruments.

OTHER COST DATA

NET COST PER KW. OF OUTDOOR, 3-PHASE SUBSTATION
33,000-VOLT EQUIPMENT

Station
Capacity.

45
60
75
90

120
150

No. of
Trans.

3-15 k. w.
3-20 k. w.
3-25 k. w.
3-30 k. w.
3 40 k. w.
3-50 k. w.

Transformer cost per

k. w.
25 Cycles. 60 Cycles.

$25.00
20.50
18.00
16.00
12.50
11.00

$20.00
16.50
15 00
15.00
10.50
9.00

Cost per k. w. of High
Tension Switching and
Protective units.
$6.25

4.75

3.80

3.10

2.50

2.00

TOTAL NET COST OF STEEL TOWER 3-PHASE OUTDOOR
SUB-STATION

(With 3 single-phase 33000/2300 volt transformers.)

Station
Capacity.

No. of
Trans.

25 Cycle

Station

per k. w.

Total
Cost.

60 Cycle
'Station
per k. w.

Total
Cost.

3-15 k. w.

$35.50

$1597.00

$30.25

$1361.00

3-20 k. w.

28.50

1710 00

24.50

1470.00

3-25 k. w.

24.50

1837 00

21.50

1612.00

3-30 k. w.

21.50

1935.00

18.25

1642.00

120

3-40 k. w.

16.75

2010 00

14.50

1740.00

150

3-50 k. w.

14.25

2137.00

12.00

1800 00

The decrease in cost per kilowatt with increased ca-
pacity of station is worthy of note. This indicates that
the original installation should be such that as the load
increases the station capacity can be increased at the

least possible expense. With the standard control and
protective equipment now available it is only necessary
to replace the original fuses with others of heavier rat-
ing, when increasing the station capacity.

SOME ADVANTAGES OF OUTDOOR TYPE

There should always be less danger from fire provid-
ed that proper precautions are taken against grass or
brush fires in dry weather.

The advocates of the indoor substation are inclined
to point out the greater risk to the public from the out-
door station, the greater difficulty in making repairs and
a less reliability of service.

It would seem that if the structure were surrounded
by a stout fence, the danger to the public would be
eliminated.

It is true that making repairs in an outdoor station
during a heavy storm, when breakdowns may most rea-
sonably be expected, is not an easy task. The only
remedy is to provide the best possible construction con-
sistent with the importance of the station. It is not
economical to add considerably to the cost of an in
stallation to provide absolute immunity from interrup-
tion, in cases where minor difficulties at infrequent in
tervals will cause little trouble.

In general wires and equipment should be arranged
so the men may do necessary work around them with
the least possible danger of accident. Transformers
should be placed on substantial foundations, with con-
venient facilities for repairs. In some of the larger sta-
tions a truck is provided running on rails between the
banks of transformers so that any transformer can be
carried directly to a covered repair shed at one side of
the yard.

With reference to the greater reliability of the indoor
station, it should be remembered that outdoor substa
tions are as yet only in the infancy of their develop-
ment. Their successful operation in all parts of the
country from Florida to Canada proves that the diffi-
cultis which first retarded their success have been suc-
cesfully overcome. Switches that will work even when
covered with ice, and transformers whose circulating
systems do not freeze are now fully developed. There
appears to be no reason why the defects which appear
from time to time should not be completely remedied,
so that the outdoor substation will become more and
more valuable in the official and economical distribution
of power.

ttC©

laMjmcs) V®M® aaMli l£!S©igt££&;S W©m®% (&®mih&m®<&

On account of the difficulty in obtaining mangesite, a min-
eral which is used in making brick for lining electrical fur-
naces, it is feared that there will be delays in the delivery
of new furnaces unless a satisfactory substitute can be ob-
tained. Mangesite is a magnesium-bearing clay which is
usually obtained from Hungary. There are some deposits
in the West, particularly in California, which are now being
developed. The price of the mineral has advanced 300 per
cent, since the war began. Mangesite has a basic reaction
and is essential in the process to get rid of sulphur and
phosphorus.

A project has been under consideration in Pennsylvania by
which a company was to be formed to establish a coking
plant in a new location, selling its by-product of gas to
another company that would generate electric power from
it ; this concern to distribute the, current through a certain
part of Pennsylvania and to enter into particular contractual
arrangements with an important railway that would thus ob-
tain power for a contemplated mountain electification much more
cheaply than it could itself generate it, at the same time sav-
ing the cost of capital necessary for its own power houses and
the cost of operating them.

3<>

ELECTRICAL

AGE

March, 1916

By Kennedy G. Rockworth

Assimilation of knowledge and friendly co-operation of the
various national societies and manufacturing associations has
enabled standardization to enter in all walks of life. This is
particularly true in the engineering industry where almost all
structural work and material of importance is ordered and
installed on specification, which is possible only through standard-
ization. The purchase of material on specification — which is
now being done by not only the large company but also by the
small — gives one a feeling of security, but this must be backed
up by tests to determine whether or not the specifications are
being adhered to if the security is to be fully realized. To test
all material as received from the manufacturer requires a staff
of chemists and engineers wi.h a complete and extensive labora-
tory at their disposal because there are so many materials to
be tested, each with an almost endless variety of uses. In
the electrical branch of the engineering industry adherance to
specification, in so far as uniform quality of material is con-
cerned, is so closely related to reliability of service, safety to
persons and apparatus, and economy of operation, that the
necessity of closely watching the quality of material supplied,
and strictly enforcing adherance to specification in certam
classes of material is of paramount importance.

material, its behavior under a large number of conditions, prac-
tical and academic, in order that conclusions may be drawn
as to its fitness for any specific application. Routine tests, on
the other hand, are carried out as an assurance against the use
of faulty material and to insure the acceptance only of suitable
material, and uniform quality in the same and different ship-
ments from the manufacturer. It is with these latter, routine
tests, that we are concerned.

Tn making routine tests for dielectric materials it is necessary
to remember that such tests may be divided into two classes.
One of these embraces all tests made to determine whether or
not a material or piece of apparatus is capable of withstanding
a certain pressure, usually considerably higher than that which
it will be subjected in service^ The other class embraces all
tests where potential is applied until the dielectric fails, that
is, breaks down. , Throughout the following the tests of the
first class will be known as high potential tests, those of the
latter as breakdown tests. It is important to discriminate
between these two, for the former is merely a test applied to
a piece of apparatus before placing it in service and is prac-
tically harmless in its influence on the material, whereas in
,the latter the test piece is always tested to rupture, and is
thus always ruined, for the time being at least. Many com-

Fig. 1 — Method of Testing Rubber Glo

Perhaps no material plays so important a part in the electrical
industry as do insulating materials. Be it in the generation,
transmission, distribution and consumption of electrical energy,
insulation enters as the chief factor. It is thus of vital im-
portance that the insulating materials used for any application
be suitable for the purpose, and capable of remaining so. The
chief requirement of an insulating material is that it should
be capable of insulating, and this, in turn, depends upon its
dielectric strength. Since the dielectric strength is the criterion
of an insulating material, ignoring the other physical and
mechanical properties, it is apparent that the testing for di-
electric strength is a very important test. Testing materials
completely adds, of course, to the purchase price of the mater-
ial : in the large company this additional expense in usually
significant on account of the large quantities of material pur-
chased, but with the smaller company -it may be serious item,
and one which may prohibit the testing. Tests for dielectric
strength may, however, be carried out at a very small cost,
low initial investment, and with little loss of time, whereas com-
plete determinations for the various characteristics would be
costly and tedious. The purpose of this article is to discuss
the commercial testing of insulating materials in a general and
elementary way.

Testing of insulating materials may be divided into two
classes, namely research tests and routine tests. Research tests
are undertaken to find out the complete characteristics of a

Method of Testing Bushings

panies test all insulators, insulating bushings, rubber gloves,
rubber mats, etc., at over-voltage before using them : and in
addition test a certain percentage to destruction.

It must be obvious that the company which purchases all
material on specification, and refuses to accept anything that
fails to conform to standard, obtains better material and
greater consideration than the company that pays for anything
the manufacturer cares to furnish. Better material means bet-
ter service — fewer failures and shut-downs, higher degree of
continuity of service, lower maintenance expenses for normal
operation and emergency work, lower life risks to employees
and public — and it can be seen that the saving in these items,
not to mention the other factors which can hardly be capitalized,
will go a long way toward making the testing of insulating ma-
terials a paying proposition. The number of companies carry-
ing on this class of work is continually increasing as the benefits
from doing so are coming to be more fully realized. That
more central station companies are not testing their materials
is because they fail to appreciate the advantages of doing
so or on account of lack of knowledge of how to do it. The
object of this article is to discuss in an elementary way the
testing of solid and liquid and dielectrics, the errors to be
guarded against, and the apparatus required, in the hope that it
will awaken the smaller company to the realization of the
value of testing their apparatus and materials before placing
them in use.

March, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

llli.ll POTENTIAL I'ESTS

Routine high potential tests are made to assure that only
material which is electrically strong is installed. While making
the test inspection should discover any mechanical defects. The
test is applied to apparatus and materials before it is placed in
service, sometimes after installation. The potential is applied
for one minute, the time of application being considered from
the instant full potential is reached. The potential applied
depends upon the normal rating of the apparatus, and should
conform to the test voltages specified in the A I E E Standard-
ization Rules.

The arrangement of material for test is largely a matter for
each individual case ; but since the material or apparatus is to
be used it is best where possible to submit it to similar condi-
tions such as it will meet in practice. Current and potential
transformers present no difficulty, but with many forms of
bushings and insulators it is necessary to make special pro-
vision for subjecting the whole material to potential stress.
The manner of doing this is shown in Fig. 1 and 2. Fig. t
shows a -number of rubber gloves being given a routine test,
while Fig. 2 shows a number of insulating bushings being tested
at once; note the tin foil used to cover the surface of the insu-
lator and assure all parts of the insulators being subjected to
stress.

BREAKDOWN TESTS

This test is usually applied to samples of materials or to a
certain percentage of all consignments to orders. The test-piece
is always tested to destruction, that is until puncture occurs.
For this purpose some form of electrode is used, the material
being placed between two of them and potential then applied
until the test piece ruptures.

Fig. 3 — Distribution of Electric Flux

When high potential is applied to an insulating material
molecular strain results, the extent of this strain depending
upon the flux density per unit of area. When the flux density,
or potential gradient exceeds a certain critical value breakdown
occurs. It is this value that is known as the dielectric strength.
This value will always be found to be much lower than the
maximum gradient at the point of rupture. The flux desnity
varies with the shape of the electrodes and their spacing, as
does also, therefore, the puncture voltage; and from this it
follows that if different but similar materials are to be tested
for dielectric strength, the electrodes should have the same
shape and spacing and size if the results are to be readily com-
parable. For voltages such as may be expected in ordinary
commercial testing the electrodes might well consist of brass
disks 2-in. (5.08 cm.) in diameter, and one set i-in. (2.54 cm.)
in diameter. The corners may or may not be rounded, accord-
ing to choice, but it is preferable to have a radius of about one-
tenth the diameter of the disk. When disks have square corners
the flux tends to be highly concentrated at the edges, whereas
with corners rounded the flux distribution will be more uniform.

Ill the former case there will be little corona while in the
latter the corona will be more pronounced, and therewith the
resulting heating. As the test voltage is usually raised rapidly
the flux density is of greater importance than is the heating
due to corona. The flux distribution with electrodes of dif-
ferent shape is shown in Fig. 3.

In placing the electrodes and test-pieces care should always
he taken that they are not near enough to extraneous objects
for the voltage gradient to be affected, and the results there-
fore. The surfaces of the electrodes and specimens must be
thoroughly cleaned of all dirt and grit, and the electrodes
should cover the dielectric squarely and firmly because dirt
and air-pockets may introduce large errors on account of the
re-distribution of flux around the substances having different
individual specific inductive capacities.

Many materials, from their nature, have such irregular sur-
face that it is necessary to close up the air spaces or fill all
interstices between electrodes and test-piece. The manner in
which this is done depends upon whether the test is merely a
high potential or a breakdown test. If the former tin foil or
water are usually used, the object being to offer a maximum
surface to the test voltage. If the test is for breakdown more
care should be exercised in both the choice and arrangement of
filling the intestices because of the re-distribution of flux that
occurs when materials having different specific inductive capaci-
ties are connected in series.

The pressure exerted by the electrodes upon the test-pieces
should always be the same for the same material, and it is
most desirable to keep this pressure constant wherever possible
with various substances. In deciding upon what pressure to
apply it is well to remember that it is not so much what the
actual pressure is as that it be constant throughout the test.
The most advantageous pressure to apply will, of course,
differ with the different materials, but for most cases about 100
grams per sq. cm. or about 1.42 lbs. per sq. in. is a good value.

The breakdown voltage will be found to depend very largely
upon the length of time the potential stress is applied, on ac-
count of the heating due to energy losses — dielectric hysteresis,
ionization, and possibly conduction. For this reason the rate
of increase of potential should always be the same. For simple
breakdown tests a rate of 1,000 volts per second until puncture
occurs is a good rate of increase, as by this means the influence
of heating is reduced to a minimum. In raising the voltage, care
should be taken that it is possible to read the voltmeter cor-
rectly to within two per cent, of the true breakdown value.
This will be the case if the voltmeter used to be practically
dead beat. It is well to standardize the rate of increase of
voltage, and for this about 1.000 volts per second is recom-
mended.

There is another way of finding the breakdown strength of a
material, and it is often used in the laboratory since it gives
one a valuable insight into the practical behavior of a substance.
It consists of raising the potential in increments of 5 per cent.
in one minute intervals, satrting at an initial voltage of, per-
haps, 50 per cent, of the final breakdown value. If the test is
performed in this manner the voltage obtained will, with solid
dielectrics, be considerably lower than when the voltage was
raised as rapidly as possible, since in this case the heating ef-
fect will have considerable influence. The former method,
namely the rapid raising of voltage, is satisfactory for the usual
commercial tests, and is the one usually used, because the tests
are performed to determine only the approximate insulating
properties of the sample.

VOLTAGE CONTROL

Close control of the voltage is most essential if satisfactory
results are to be expected. If a special generator is to be used
for this work good voltage control can easily be obtained by
operating the field. It is advisable to operate the generator
as near normal pressure as possible, lest the wave-form and

ELECTRICAL AGE

Makch, 191 6

regulation be affected; this can be easily accomplished by the
use of parallel-series connections of the low-tension coils of
the testing transformer. A method that will practically eliminate
the armature reaction due to out-of-phase current, and hence
prevent wave distortion is what is known as the "potentiometer
method" of control. This method consists of placing non-
inductive resistance across the generator circuit while the
generator operates at normal pressure; the low-tension coils
of the testing transformer are then connected across this
resistance, or any portion of it, so as to receive the required
pressure. This method permits of obtaining very easily any
voltage desired within the range of the generator. Experience
indicates that it is only when the energy required for the test
is considerable, or when the voltage is very high and the
electrodes large, that such a refinement as this is really neces-
sary.

Fig. 4 — Small Portable Testing Transformer

MEASURING THE VOLTAGE

There are a number of different ways of measuring the volt-
age, all of which have their advantages and disadvantages, and
in choosing any one method it is really a matter of using the
one which has the fewest disadvantages and which will be of
use for tl c greatest variety of work. One method, and the
most commonly used, is to place a voltmeter in the primary of
the testing transformer, which in this case is, of course, the
low tension side, and assume that the voltage on the high tension
side is equal to the ratio of transformation or number of turns.
This method is safe, simple and inexpensive to employ, but on
the other hand, may be in comparatively large error due to
charging current and wave distortion. For voltage up to 60,000
volts, and for the electrodes of the sizes before mentioned this
will be the satisfactory one to use. Sometimes a voltmeter is
placed in the secondary of another transformer which is con-
nected in the high-voltage test circuit, but this method necessi-
tates having on hand another transformer with a voltage rating
the same as that of the highest test voltage, it complicates mat-
ters, takes up space, and is about as accurate as the other
method. Still yet another method consists of building a volt-
meter coil in the high tension winding of testing transformer;
from this windong taps are brought out so as to give various
ratios for the different test voltages — a very valuable feature
where many different voltages are used — at the voltmeter. This
method is claimed to be quite accurate, the effect of load, power
factor, etc., having little effect; it is convenient and safe while
at the same time simple.

Spark gaps, which may be composed of needle points or
spheres are also used extensively, exclusively for very high
voltages. Both are liable to error due to wave-form, ionization,
transients and growth of charge, while humidity and temperature
have to be corrected for. The chief advantages for high volt-
ages, of these methods, the spheres are preferable, is that max-
imum potentials are measured instead of effective values ; since
the puncture potential depends upon peak values rather than on
the effective, this is a valuable feature. For the class of work
here supposed neither gaps are needed, because the voltages
are hardly high enough for them.

Static voltmeters are quite often used. This method consists
of connecting a static voltmeter to one or more condensers
which may be cut in or out of circuit by means of switches. For
example : one voltmeter could be used for 25,000, 50,000 75,000
and 1,000,000 volts by means of condensers which are all in
series for the highest voltage, but being shunted by a switch
as the lower voltages are used, until for 25,000 volts there would
be only one condenser in circuit.

Of the methods mentioned the one best applicable to the
present work — all:round usefulness with reasonable accuracy —
is the ratio method, either with the voltmeter across the primary
of the testing transformer direct or connected to a voltmeter
coil. Both methods are inexpensive, are economical of floor
space, and are accurate enough for all commercial requirements
The voltmeter coil is the more preferable of the two, but is onh
available when a special coil has been built into the transform-
er, of course. In ordering a testing transformer it would be
advisable, in any case, to have this coil built in. lest it should
be needed at some future time.

ALTERNATING CURRENT SUPPLY

Regarding the alternating current supply. For the present
purpose commercial circuits are usually satisfactory, provided
the voltage regulation is sufficiently close, because the wave-
form in practically a sine-form. Where possible, if scope and
magnitude of the tests warrants, it is, of course, preferable
to have a generator specially for testing purposes. There are
a number of high-speed ' machines now on the market well
suited for this class of work. In choosing a machine it is ad-
visable to choose one having distributed field and armature
windings, and low armature reactance, as these types will have
a minimum distortion of wave-form at partial loads and low
armature factors.

FREQUENCY

Commercial frequency of 60 cycles is the frequency that is
generally employed for testing materials. It is available, the
transformer is more readily designed for this periodicity, in-
struments on hand, etc., for it. On the other hand testing with
high frequency has many advantages for some classes of work.
for example testing line insulators. It is a matter of experi-
ence that insulators tested at commercial frequencies, 25 and
60 cycles, fail when tested at very high frequency, several hun-
dred thousand cycles. Lightning, arcing grounds and similar
causes set up high-frequency surges, and this testing with high
frequency is much more severe than if normal frequencies were
used. The high-frequency seems to find out the flaws in the
porcelain, the corona spreading out along and adhering to the
surface of the insulator more closely with high than with low
frequencies. High-frequency transformers are now in use to
a considerable extent by manufacturers of high voltage insula-
tors and similar work, but are hardly required by the small
company.

TESTING TRANSFORMER

In choosing a transformer for testing purposes, of which
there are several very good ones on the market, there are sev-
eral matters well worth keeping in mind. A testing trans-
former should have an extremely liberal amount of iron and
comparatively few turns, and these turns should be heavily in-
sulated at their ends. Such a transformer can be made very
strong mechanically and to have good regulation, while the

March, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

fewer turns permit of heavy insulation with low space factor.
Secondary (high tension) taps should not lit- used on a testing
transformer as they increase the possibility of breakdown re-
sulting from high-frequency oscillations at both the end-turns
and at the insulating bushings where they come out of the case,
as well as adding to the cost of the transformer. If change of
ratio is desired — and it is a very desirable feature where one

Fig. 5 — Large Portable Testing Machine

transformer is to be used for a wide range of work, which is
the condition obtaining here — it should preferably be accom-
plished by dividing the primary or low-tension winding into

several groups of coils which may be connected in series or
parallel. Four groups of coils will generally be found suffi-
cient for general work up to voltages of 60,000 volts.

The capacity of the transformer is of importance, although
not as important as one would be inclined to believe from the
amount of emphasis so often placed upon this one detail. For
the testing of small samples of materials, tapes, insulating
cloths, etc., 2 to 5 kv-a capacity will be found suitable. If on
the other hand a large number of rubber gloves, lengths or
cable, and other material which results in comparatively high
charging current, are to be tested a unit from 10 to 50 kv-a may
be necessary. For all ordinary work 5 kv-a will be satisfactory.

The above remarks have been apropos of testing materials in
the laboratory, where the testing transformer remains station-
ary. For carrying out the high potential tests on apparatus
which has been, or is being, installed it is extremely convenient
to have a transformer which can be moved from place to place
as requirements dictate. There are several transformers avail-
able of this type the usual capacity being about 2 to 5 kv-a
giving a voltage up to 40,000 volts.

It can be seen that the apparatus required for testing mater-
ials and new apparatus for dielectric strength, as here con-
sidered, is not really extensive nor expensive, especially when
the fewer shut-downs, lower operating and maintenance costs
are taken into consideration. A transformer, voltmeter, am-
meter (not really necessary), an instrument board, switch and
water rheostat ; a vat for testing rubber gloves, an assortment
of tin foil and brass sheeting and a few wooden clamps. The
work is interesting, the more so the deeper one delves into it.
The testing of materials is, of course, a business proposition
pure and simple, and as such will start to pay for itself from
the day it is commenced. The cost of performing the routine
tests will depend to a considerable extent upon the location of
the testing laboratory with respect to that of the store room,
and it may be found cheaper to test materials closer to the
store room and install a generator for testing purposes rather
than to use commercial mains farther removed from the store
room. In the one case it is a matter of initial cost whereas on
the other hand the cost is one which goes on indefinitely, and
as long as the material must be moved from one place to the
other and back again.

The aim of this article has been to cover a very wide and
complex subject in a general way, going into only the more im-
portant matters sufficiently to enable anyone taking up this class
of work to know how and where to start, and what precautions
to observe. Testing materials on a business basis will show
large returns on the initial investment and labor costs, and
this must be apparent when the fewer interruptions to service,
the reduced life hazards, the better quality of material obtained
for the same price, and the higher quality of service rendered,
are taken into consideration.

Somewhat over a year ago, the long-standing controversy
as to whether the present laws providing for and regulating
the use of water-power that are under the Federal control are
helping or hindering the development of this national re-
source, led the senate to call for the facts in the case.

The investigation was conducted by the Department of
Agriculture and has resulted in three large volumes, which,
on account of their size, will not be printed as a public
document. They have been laid before the Senate and con-
stitute the most thorough and extensive analysis of the sit-
uation, as it stands to-day, that has ever been made.

The extent to which it has been carried is justified by the
importance of securing an accurate knowledge of what has
reallv occurred.

The most striking feature of the abstracts of the report
that have so far been sent out is the concentration of owner-
ship and tendency to close relations between the principal
holding companies through hands of direction and manage-
ment.

The latest figures as to the potential water-power of the
country places the total sum at a minimum of 27,943,000 hp.
and a maximum of 53,905,000 hp., the minimum representing
the amount of power that could be developed from the use
of the average annual minimum stream flow for the lowest
two consecutive 7-day periods of each year, while the maxi-
mum represents the amount that could be developed from
the use of the average maximum continuous stream flow
available for six months during the year. The National

ELECTRICAL AGE

March, 1916

Forests are stated to contain 30.4 per cent, of this minimum
and 31.3 per cent, of the maximum, while over 72 per cent,
of the country's total is found in the Mountain and Pacific
States and 42 per cent, in the three Pacific Coast States.

While 80 per cent, of the total installed power from all
sources in 1912 was steam power, and while nearly three-
fourths of the total primary power installed in commercial
and municipal central stations (or establishments for the sale
of power) and in street and electric-railway plants was steam
power, the preponderance of steam power was found, ac-
cording to the figures given, in the Eastern States; and the
percentage increase in water-power development for public-
service use, in the three years since 1912, has ben three times
as great as in steam power. Primary power installation from
all sources and for all uses increased in the eleven Western
States 240 per cent, from 1902 to 1912, or more than 2Y/2
times as rapidly as in the remainder of the United States.
This includes primary power used in manufactures, 94 per
cent, of which is found in the Central and Eastern States.

According to the report in the ten years from 1902 to 1912
the proportion of all primary electrical power installed in
central stations increased from 11.2 per cent, to 23.8 per cent,
for the whole country. In the Southern States the increase
was over three-fold. In 1912, 50 per cent, of all primary
electric power in the Mountain group of States was owned
by public service corporations; in the Pacific States 25 per

cent. To-day in these states the proportion is 90 per cent.

Primary electric power increased 440 per cent, in the
Western States between 1902 and 1912, as aaginst 226 per
cent, in the remainder of the United States, or nearly twice
as rapidly, while the development, per capita, in the Western
States in 1912 was two and a half times as great as in the re-
mainder of the United States. In installed water-power, per
capita, the Western States had more than four times as much
in 1912 as the remainder of the United States. There is at
the present time, according to this report, an over-develop-
ment in nearly all the power centers of the Western States,
California, Oregon and Washington in particular showing in-
stallations far in excess of maximum demands.

The power developments which utilize National Forest
lands have 42 per cent, of the total development power of
the Western States — 30 per cent, through occupancy with
some part of the immediate generating plant and 12 per cent,
through storage reservoirs. An additional 14 per cent, either
occupies public lands outside the forests or depends directly
upon storage reservoirs upon such lands, making 56 per cent,
of the total developed water power of the Western States
dependent upon the use of public lands, taking place under
existing laws. Plants either now under construction or for
which final permits have been taken out will provide a fur
ther increase equivalent to 20 per cent, of the total present
Western water-power development.

By Percy H. Thomas, Consulting Electrical Engineer*

An electric power supply system with its transmission and
distribution lines has become an essential feature in every
important industrial community and a review of some of the
more significant features of our best installations will be of
interest to Pan-Americans. While it is not possible in the
present paper to give a critical discussion of specific power
systems, it will be possible to consider how some of the
problems of more present interest in such systems have been
solved.

The electric power system supplying an industrial com-
munity is of value to the community not only for the general
supply of power and light it offers for domestic service, but
because it offers a cheap source of power to large users, a
readily obtained, reliable and cheap power to small users, and
because it enables power users in general to avoid the capital
expenditure and the operating responsibility of a private
power plant. This latter consideration if of the greatest prac-
tical importance.

The technical problems of the generation of power, the
distribution of the power, and its application to industrial
processes, while involving skill and special knowledge, are
worked out thoroughly and satisfactorily.

The overshadowing feature of the ordinary power 'plant is
that of cost — cost of installation and cost of operation. Since
the cost of installation is determined by the miximum ca-
pacity of the plant and is fixed once for all and since the
income depends primarily on the actual sale of power, it is of
the greatest importance to utilize the plant to as near its
full capacity and as nearly continuously as possible. Here
arises a very great advantage in the supplying of a whole
community from a single plant, for the average power re-
quirement of many diverse users calls for a very much more
uniform supply of power than that of any other user, so that
the general power system may be loaded much more nearly

*Paper read before the recent Pan-American Scientific Con-
rress at Washington, D. C.

to full capacity than could a series of individual power plants.

As a notable example of an enlightened power company
supplying a whole community, the Commonwealth Edison
Company of Chicago, may be mentioned. This company sup-
plies nearly all the electric power used in the Chicago dis-
trict (except for certain steel mills and some fsolated plants)
including the electric street railway load and a considerable
percentage of the refrigerating machinery load, which is a
very large item in Chicago. Its yearly load factor is ap-
proximately 45 per cent, and its monthly .power factor aver-
ages 50 to 60 per cent.

Many other companies have not been so successful in se-
curing a diversified load and a high load factor. The usual
values run below a 50 per cent, monthly loadfactor. In ex-
ceptional cases, in such plants as the Niagara Falls Power
Company, for example, having a large percentage of continu-
ous process electrolytic load, may reach an annual load
factor very much higher. .This company has had a yearly
power factor for the last five years ranging from slightly
under 80 per cent, to over 87 per cent, and a monthly load
factor ranging from 80 to 90 per cent.

The very large Montana Power Company, with a consider-
able proportion of mining load is said to have a yearly load
factor of about 75 per cent, and a monthly load factor of
about 80 per cent. This is very high. On the other hand,
the Power Company at Portland, Oregon, though a large
company, has a daily load only slightly over 50 per cent.
Small local light and power companies may have monthly
load factors far below 50 per cent. The difference between
a 40 per cent, and an 80 per cent, load factor would be a
dominating factor in determining the cost of power.

Much study has been given by the power companies to
methods for securing power users whose requirements come
at off-peak times or whose load is practically continuous. '
Special rates are often given such consumers.

In plants depending largely on hydraulic power — often
times there occur months or years during which the supply

Makch, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

of water is low and power cannot be sold up to the full
capacity of the generating apparatus. This is a very unfav-
orable condition but a condition by no means infrequent, so
that it is of the greatest importance in studying new water
power projects to determine the lowest rate of water flow
to be expected within a period of years.

One method of meeting this condition, especially when the
shortage of water occurs regularly during certain months of
the year, is to sell some power at a lesser rate, but with the
provision that the power supply may be discontinued during
a limited period of low water on proper notice. Such power
is called "secondary power." Such power is offered, for
example — by the Southern Power Company of Charlotte,
North Carolina, and by the Alabama State Power Company
of Alabama.

The extent to which the advantage of diversified load may
reduce the cost of power and the tremendous advantage to a
consumer in being relieved of the capital expenditure and
operating responsibility of a private plant are now being rea-
lized as is shown by the fact that many of the steam rail-
roads of the United States are buying or planning to buy
power from the already established power companies rather
than install their own power plants. It is found that the
general supply system can furnish power more cheaply and
more reliability than even the large plants that might be
installed by railroads. Among such railroads might be men-
tioned the New York, New Haven & Hartford, which has a
four-track main line electrification of over seventy miles, and
the Chicago, Milwaukee & Puget Sound R. R., which is now
electrifying a mountain section several hundred miles long.;
other important roads are considering the same plan.

Briefly then it is of very great importance both to the
power company and- the community that the company secure
as general and diverse a load as possible, since this will go
far to reduce the total cost of power and permit a reduction
of rates.

As a corollary to this condition may be added the state-
ment that there is everywhere a strong tendency to consoli-
date and inter-connect adjacent power systems, and that this
is, from a technical point of view, very greatly to the ad-
vantage of the companies and the community in general, for
not only is the reliability of the service greatly improved and
a higher standard of technical staff warranted but an im-
provement of the load factor, that is, the tendency to average
out the peaks of the various loads results. The enormous
sizes to which these consolidated power systems have grown
in the United States will be seen from some illustrative ex-
amples given later. There so far has appeared no limit to the
growth of such systems.

Cost of Power

While general figures as to the cost of generating power
in miscellaneous power systems, such as are here under dis-
cussion, are of little value as applied to any particular case,
it may be worth while to point out that under the most fav-
orable circumstances (e. g. certain Norway projects, and such
a plant as the Niagara Falls Power Companies, and certain
irrigation projects) a horse power year may be generated
for less than $10, but that usually the best plants will re-
quire double this and $30 to $40 may be frequently expected.
When it is necessary to buy power in limited quantity a rate
of $50 to $80 per horse power year is not unusual and in un-
favorable conditions the price may run considerably over
$100 a year.

Reserves

The matter of reserves or relays to insure the maintenance
of service in case of interruption of transmission lines or
failure of machinery is always a difficult one in large power
plants for apparatus held in reserve cannot earn a revenue.
Various expedients are used. In the case of transmission
lines reliability is frequently secured by having alternate

routes for supplying power. This plan may take the form of
duplicate circuits (a very imperfect embodiment) or a loop
line or closed network of lines connecting the power house
or power houses and the principal load points.

Where main portions ofthe system's load are concentrated
at one point, a very satisfactory relay of low cost can be ob-
tained by a specially designed steam turbo-generator instal-
lation. Such a machine can be given a very heavy over-lomd
capacity with forced draught boilers and an extremely simple
switchboards, so that the relay can be installed at a mini-
mum cost and can be gotten into operation very quickly.
The Southern Power Co., of Charlotte, North Carolina, has
three such stations each with a single turbine of 10,000 kw.
capacity. These turbines are located at three important
centers and serve for the protection of the service, particular-
ly at these points. These 30,000 kv-a. represents about 25
per cent, reserve. One or more of these stations operates at
all times with banked fires under the boilers and the turbo-
generator "floating" on the line, to^ permit the rapid taking
up of the load, and occasionally at times of storms or especial
danger, all three stations may be so operated. Another
example of a plant with such steam relays is the Pennsyl-
vania Water & Power Company, which has 40,000 kw. in
steam plant to protect the load in case of accident or low
water; this represents something like one-third of the total
rated capacity of the system.

The Pacific Gas & Electric Co.'s system has steam plants
aggregating 80,000 kw. rated capacity, representing over half
the maximum load.

On the other hand the Montana Power Company has but
about 5,000 kw. steam apparatus, which is less than 10 per
cent of its maximum load. This plant has a large number of
water powers lying in widely spaced locations and is there-
fore not in as great need of steam relays as most systems.

Most large systems which depend upon hydraulic power
arid long transmission are supplied with from 20 to 40
per cent, of steam generating apparatus.

Reservoirs

Closely related to steam stations having the function of
making up for temporary low water in hydroelectric plants is
the storage reservoir. The development of hydraulic oppor-
tunities are often largely dependent upon the possibilities of
water storage. Storage possibilities as found invarious places
vary from a few hours supply to the storage of a whole sea-
son's rain fall over the water shed. There are a number of
instances where practically the whole run off of a water
shed in an ordinary year is impounded and except for evapor-
ation and leakage is used for power and then often afterward
for irrigation. One such example is the Spaulding Lake de-
velopment in Drum reservoir, in the Sierra Nevada Moun-
tains of California. In this system most of the precipitation
is in the form of snow and on melting in the spring it is
stored in this lake assisted by certain other lakes and enables
the powerhouse to maintain an output of 20,000 hp. It will
in the future supnly twice the quantity.

Large water storages now developed for power purposes
include as much as 325,000 acre feet, as in the Hebgen reser-
voir of the Montana Power Company, which reservoir is fed
by a drainage area of 900 sq. miles. In some cases the
amount of storage is increased by utilizing a very great range
of operating water level in the reservoir. The level in the
reservoir may vary considerably over 100 ft. between high
and low water. This wide range of water level of course
greatly adds to the available storage, but causes a very un-
economical utilization of the water, except where very high
heads are concerned. It goes without saying that the most
effective storage of water is that in systems where the water
power is developed through a high head, which head many of
course be utilized in one or more stations.
(To Be Continued.)

ELECTRICAL AGE

March, 1916

Storage Battery Demand

Storage-battery manufacturers report a strong demand and
a fine business outlook. The constantly increasing use of
these batteries in mines, in motor boats, commercial and
pleasure vehicles and railroad equipment is the cause of the
growth of this business. Electric trucks and train-lighting
equipment are particularly active. As yet there has been no
marked advance in price.

* * *
Expanded Steel Poles

The use of expanded steel poles is increasing throughout
the country. The one-piece poles turned out in the econo-
mical shapes by the leading manufacturers are to be bought
for a price that puts them into strong competition with the
wood pole. Their up-keep is hardly more than that of the
wood pole and the durability, of course, is considerably
•greater. v

^ *$* *S*
Substituting Steel for Aluminum
Owing to the increasing price of aluminum, which invaria-
bly follows the copper market, makers of small articles such
as vacuum cleaners, fans, etc., in which this light metal has
heretofore been used, are now tending to replace it with
steel. Unless the aluminum part has been very carefully
designed, it is sometimes found that the weight increase caus-
ed by the substitution of steel is negligible.
♦*♦ <♦ «*.

Electric Machinery in Demand

The manufacturers of electrical machinery continue to report
large orders for all sorts of generators, motors, transformers
and accessories. Steel mills, public-utility companies, mines
and metallurgical works are expanding their capacity in an
effort to meet the present demand. With the advancing cost
of steel and copper, the prices of most electrical machinery
and apparatus have advanced from ten to twenty per cent.
This will, of course, tend to check the rush, but so far, its
effect has not born noticeable.

High Tide in Electrical Exports
Electrical exports broke all records in November, genera-
tors and motors alone showed a decrease and this was over-
balanced by an enormous increase in other articles, all as
compared with preceding year. The total was $2,744,847
against $1,644,773 for November, 1914. Among the material
listed were: Metal-filament lamps 658,000, carbon-filament
lamps, 121,672, electric fans 3,943.

♦ * ♦
Soaring Copper Prices

The copper market has continued to climb until it has
reached a peak higher than any time known since modern
conditions of production have been used. For forty years
there have been no such prices recorded, and the prices of
forty years ago were on an inflated currency basis and hence
not really comparable.

According to a note on this subject in the Engineering and
Mining Journal: During the last week the price for copper
rose to a higher figure than anything on record in recent
history, and by recent history we mean to go back to the
time of our civil war and the years immediately following.
In July, 1864, the average price for Lake copper at New York
was 5924 cents per pound, and the average for the year 1864
was 46J4 cents. By May, 1870, the price had fallen to 19
cents, but in April, 1872, it was up again to 41% cents. In
1873 the average price for copper was 29 cents per pound.
After that it was never higher than 25 cents until March, 1907.
In March, 1907, Lake copper touched 26 cents, and electroly-
tic 25^ cents. To-day it has passed both of these figures
with a demand stronger than ever.

Reaching out for Russian Trade

Twenty-five non-competing American manufacturers have
organized a concern known as the International Manufactur-
ers' Sales Company of America to promote trade in their
lines in Russia. The membership lists in the new company is
later to be increased to fifty. At present the main office of
the concern is at 1133 Rookery Building, Chicago, and the
Russian headquarters is in Moscow. In forming this com-
pany the organizers received assistance from the United
States government through Consul-General John Snodgrass
in Moscow, various other counsuls, and the Bureau of For-
eign and Domestic Commerce offices at Washington, at Chi- •
cago and elsewhere in this country. Several electrical manu-
facturing companies are reported to be interested.

♦:« <$» <$»

Electric Taxicabs

The success which has attended the experiment of establishing
electric taxicabs in Detroit, where there are now more than fifty
cars in service, has led to efforts to introduce the electrics in
New York.

One of these cars has been on test in the metropolis for more
than a month and has been tried out by all of the principal
hotels, restraurants, clubs and other large users of taxicab
service. The results show the electric taxicab to be acceptable
to the New York public and further that it will operate suc-
cessfully under the conditions of New York traffic. According
to the present plans, the operation of the New York service will
begin some time in July with a fleet of more than 150 cars.

The new company to be formed in New York is the first step
toward the formation of similar companies in other large cities
in the United States. It is also expected that a holding comp-
any will be formed to control the separate operating companies.

It is thought that, owing to the high price of gasoline, which
is now well above 20 cents a gallon and is expected to go much
higher, and the decreasing price of electric energy, electric
taxicabs will be able to compete more than successfully with
gasoline machines.

The difference in the atmosphere of some of the busy streets
in New York during the hours of maximum traffic if the smoke
and foul exhaust from the gasoline cars that now renders them
so offensive is replaced by the cleanly eleetric, would alone be
a strong motive for patronizing the electric service.
♦ ♦ ♦

An alloy of zirconium and iron has been proposed for lamp
filiments, as it is tough, malleable and ductile. Its radiation
is highly selective, providing high luminosity at low tem-
perature.

Regulated Electric Iron

An electric flat iron with a regulating rheostat for con-
trolling the amount of heat required by different kinds of
laundry work, has been placed in the market. Hitherto, this
has been done by cutting the current off and on as found
necessary.

♦ *J* ♦>
Sorting One by Tungsten Light

A new use for nitrogen-filled tungsten lamps has been
found in the zinc refineries. Under most artificial lights dark
sine or lead ore appear to have about the same color. With
the white light from the gas-filled lamps they are readily dis-
tinguishable, and these lamps are being used wherever these
ores are to be sorted.

♦ *> ♦♦♦
Asbestos Quartz Insulator

A new non-carbonizing insulator has been developed by a
Pittsburgh inventor from purified asbestos. It is a sort of an
asbestos quartz and has heat resisting qualities of a high
order. At approximately 7,500 deg. it melts and runs like
molten metal. It can be made in any form and has a promis-
ing future for insulating work.

March, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

Mil J&xmmM TMt WmM

Electrical Flashes From Beyond Our Horizon

Mexican Electrical Business Picking Up

Considerable electrical machinery and equipment, it is re-
ported, is being shipped into Mexico from the United States.
Practically all of the public-service electric light and power
plants are badly in need of new machinery, it is declared, and
orders for equipment are being placed exclusively in the
United States. Much of this business used to go to Germany.
Furthermore, the electrical equipment of many of the mines
and industrial plants must be renewed, and this class of busi-
ness will be large for some time to come. Transportation
facilities in Mexico are improving rapidly, and before long
regular traffic will have been established upon all of the
divisions of the National Railways of Mexico and other
roads.

War Ravages Among Electric Workers

As so many of the workers in the electrical field have enlisted
and left the country, the English contractors are talking oi
training women for wiring work. The next new noun in Eng-
lish will be "wire-women." They should soon become experts
on switches.

From neutral sources it is reported that the mortality caused
directly and indirectly by the war among the electrical workers
of Germany has reached such figures that no more lists of
losses in these fields are being given out. Boys and old men
are doing most of the electrical work of the Empire.

Electrical Improvements in Germany

The Berlin electrical works, which supply the greater part
of Berlin with electric current, having passed into the control of
the city, are planning a reduction in the tariff for large con-
sumers." ;-'

It is figured that the latter, using a very large amount of
current, will have to pay as little as 1.4 cents per kilowatt-hour.
-■■ The output of this plant has increased from 37,000 kilowatt-
hours in 1885, to -267,600,000 kilowatt-hours in 1915.

In spite of the- dislocation of business caused by the war
certain improvements in Germany continue to be carried out.
The steam railway through the Silesian mountains from Salz-
brunn to Waldenburg: has been changed to electric operation
and was opened to traffic very recently.

Some Foreign Fun

Although the cloud of war hangs heavily over Great Britain,
and any, evening may bring one a sociable call from the Zep-
pelins, British hearts are stout enough to still enjoy the British
varieties of joke.

Behold an extract from the unofficial bill of fare at a con-
cert given lately by the London Electro-harmonic Society !
peak load, chorus — "Every Valley Shall be Exalted" — Handel
Is r duet — "Ohm, Sweet Ohm" — Adopted

zeppelin interlude — "We Won't Go Home Till Morning" — Holt

iron-clad exidette — "Have an Acid Drop" — William

transformer, solo — "The Humming Bird" — Eilenberg

battery vehicle, dirge — "The Place Where the Old Horse

Died" — Melville
or this from the British muse :

Said the Turbo to the Switch,

You're a little chap, 'tis true,

And on my most extensive back

I could take a lot of you.

Said the Switch unto the Turbo,
Although I am quite small,
Still, if I open up myself
You are no good at all.

Gas Producer Plant in China
The General Electric Co. of China, Ltd., has just secured the
contract for a complete electrical plant for the lighting of
Chovvchao-fu in Kwangtung Province. The machinery con-
sists high speed, vertical type, suction gas engine direct
coupled to a Witton three-phase alternator, complete with suc-
tion gas producer plant, high tension switch board, main cables,
transformers, etc. All machinery to be installed is of British
manufacture. This contract represents the sixth that this com-
pany has in hand for the lighting of Chinese cities in different
provinces.

Swedish State Railway Electrification
The Swedish State Railways have adopted a plan for the

electrification of practically their entire system. The work is

expected to be completed in about eight years and to save the

importation of 500,000 tons of coal a year.

Sweden is credited with having six million horsepower in

water falls. Nearly one-fifth as much as that of the United

States on less than one-seventeenth of the area.

War Stimulates the Use of Electric Trucks in England
Because of war enlistments there is a scarcity of labor in
many English industries, and women are therefore often
found in places formerly filled by men. This is particularly
true in truck driving, and as a result, instead of the heavijer,
the lighter units, which are easier to operate, are often em-
ployed. Also, on account of the simpler mechanism apd
ease of control, electric trucks are becoming popular. Womjen
are proving themselves efficient and careful drivers and tjhe
constant changing of gears and the necessity for cranking by
physical force make the operation of heavy trucks a severe
tax on their strength. The electric trucks are therefore •: in
great demand. i

Water-Power in Russia

In European Russia alone, which includes the mountain dis-
tricts of Finland, Ural and the. Caucasus, there is estimatedlto
be about 13,000,000 water-horsepower which can be easily de-
veloped, yet there is only about 250,000 actually at work, ac-
cording to the figures given by the Imperial Russian Technical
Society. Of those plants, 80 per cent, were of 10 horsepower
or less, being uted for running flour mills, saw-mills, small
factories, farm equipment, and mostly fitted out with wooden
water wheels.

Out of 250,000 kilowatt capacity of electric plants now oper-
ating in Russia, divided among 230 different concerns, only
one, having about 435 kilowatt capacity, is .water driven.. From
an article on this subject by P. Gurewitch in a recent issue oi
the London Electrician, it appears that hydro-electric plants
and transmission systems are virtually unknown in the Musco-
vite empire.

Russian coal comes mostly from the southern provinces and
Poland, and the development of the latent water-power, par-
ticularly in the north, is greatly needed for industrial growth.
A project involving the recovery of 85,000 hp. in Finland for
use in factories and the Finnish state railways was about to
be put through when the war stopped all improvements of this
kind. A company of English capitalists had plans under way
for the development of 40,000 hp. at Lake Gotchka in the Cau-
casus when the same sinister event indefinitely postponed their
execution.

According to the latest advices, there should be a splendid
opportunity for the profitable exploitation of these powers, and
for the selling of the water-power and electrical machinery
that goes with it, open to American enterprise as soon as the
war is over. Will the capitalist and the manufacture of the
United States be prepared to take hold of it?

ELECTRICAL AGE

March, 1916

By the end of the first quarter of the nineteenth century-
men had a fairly clear idea of an electric circuit as consisting
of a route or path in which traveled an electric current that
was "set up" or propelled by an electric pressure or force.

The patient experiments of dozens of men had already
shown a large number of effects of the current — chemical,
thermal, physiological and magnetic.

This knowledge, however, was almost entirely empirical
and based on experiments that had indicated quality only in
a general way.

The man who cleared up the situation and first showed the
strict and simple relation between electrical pressure, or
"voltage," as we now call it, electric currents, and the circuit
in which they worked, was Georg Simon Ohm, a German
scientist and mathematician.

Ohm was the son of an humble, but very intelligent lock-
smith and was born at Erlangen in Bavaria, March, 16, 1787.
His father was a lover of mathematical studies and early de-
termined to do everything in his power to give his two
sons, Georg and his young brother Martin, a liberal edu-
cation.

Ohm graduated at tne university m ins uauve louu in the
fall of 1811 and after a year and a half as instructor, he was
appointed professor of mathematics and physics in the gym-
nasium at Cologne.

There he taught and studied with success L.r ten years and
here it was he did the work that laid the foundation of his
fame. He began a series of investigations which had for its
basis, the idea that physics and physical phenomena could not
be thoroughly understood without the help, of mathematics.

Fortunately for him, he fastened on the subject of electric
currents and circuits for a proof of his theory and by means
of. a line of skillful experiments he was enabled to discover
that there really was a simple relation betwen the strength of
his battery currents in a given circuit, and the voltage, or
electromotive force, producing them.

It is said to have taken him nearly seven years to have com-
pleted the evidence of his law to his own satisfaction. At any
rate, in 1826 he requested a year off from his routine duties
on half-pay to round up his work on the subject. This was

readily granted and in May, 1827, when only six months of
his year had expired, "Ohm's Law" was announced and ful-
ly demonstrated in a booklet entitled, "The Galvanic Circuit
Mathematically Treated."

The core of this work was the statement that in "any given
electrical circuit, the strength of an electric current equals
the electro-motive force- impressed divided by the circuit's
resistance."

Before Ohm's time this truth as a general law had been
declared to apply to heat effects. Since his day it has been
extended to nearly every branch of invstigation and is one of
the most widely known formulas in use.

In electrical work it is the corner-stone of exact calculation
of most electrical effects and the A B C of the science.

However, like many another great discovery, its announce-
ment attracted very little attention at the time. A few clear-
sighted scientists immediately recognized its truth and the
wide application claimed for it by Ohm. Their appreciation
was well nigh-nigh overwhelmed by a savage attack on the
statement by a well-known professor in the University of
Berlin, who declared that the law was untrue and Ohm's work
of no value.

This criticism coming from a high official source brought
on a controversy in German scientific circles which ultimately
caused Ohm to send in his resignation.

He failed to get another professional appointment and
spent the next six years of his life tutoring military students
in mathematics, in Berlin, at a salary of about $300 a year.

Meanwhile, though Ohm was poor and neglected at home,
his little book had found its way abroad and was working
for him. In many a laboratory in France, Holland and Eng-
land his experiments were repeated and his law verified.
These foreign scientists soon acknowledged the value of his
discovery and after a time their praise began to penetrate
even the stuffed ears of German officialdom.

The first fruit of this recognition was found in Ohm being
given the chair of physics at the Polytechnic School in
Nuremburg, Bavaria. Here he continued his studies for
fifteen years, but devoted more time to light and sound than
to electricty; "to round out his knowledge" he said. In both
these fields he made important discoveries, showing the re-
lation of light to electricity and magnetism.

His earlier work in electricity became more and more fa-
mous and his little book was translated into English, Dutch
and French. The leading workers in electrical science, ex-
tending their knowledge in line with his great discovery,
made increased efforts to express their debt to him and
finally in 1841 he was awarded the Copley medal — founded
as a reward for important work in the domain of natural
sciences — by the Royal Society of England. This honor, the
highest the Society could give, only once before had fallen
to a German scientist. In 1849 he was appointed full pro-
fessor of physics at the University of Munich and for the
first time in his life was well enough off to quit living in
boarding houses and set up an establishment of his own. He
was then past 60 and had never married.

He was greatly admired and loved by all who knew him
and remained active to the end of his life, which came sud-
denly. On Thursday, July 6th, 1854, he delivered a lecture.
That night, at ten o'clock, he died, after an illness of a few
moments.

Ohm's Law is his monument. But 27 years after his death
his name was given to the unit of measurement of electrical
resistance, whose nature he had done so much to make clear.

Italy, with the volt; France, with the ampere; and Germany
with the ohm, were thus honored in the naming of the three
first units of electrical measurement.

Trft T? ona iff^ T^)

ILi) ii J! [-W M.

The investigation of the country's water-power de-
velopment by the Department of Agriculture, which we
abstract on another page, at least establishes certain points
as being true for the time. It shows that the public
service companies account for about one- fourth of the
total primary electric power of the country and about
half of the developed water-power. It also shows that
sixty-eight per cent, of the total public service company
power is in the hands of about eighty-five corporations,
,of which six control one-fourth, and that these corpora-
tions are closely related as to holdings and ownership.

All this is not very new and could have been pretty
closely forecasted by anyone conversant with the facts.
I'ut a feature of the report that has caused some com-
ment is that which shows that the development of
water-powers during the three years just passed has
been three times as great as that of steam-power, and
that the development in the Mountain and Pacific Coast
States has been over twice as rapid as that of the country
at large .

As these Western States contain nearly three fourths
of the country's total water-power, it is to be expected
that the principal development would take place here.
That this fact has been brought out by the report is not
particularly comforting to many of the opponents of
the existing laws, whose efforts in Congress resulted in
its making. It has been persistently claimed that the
present laws relating to the development of water-power
on public lands were throttling the progress of the
country, particularly of the Western country. This
view has been behind much of the agitation about water-
power and has had credence in high places. It has been
expressed by the President, Secretary of the Interior
Lane and most committees that have investigated the
matter.

At first glance it would seem that there is no ground
for the belief that public land water-power development
has been checked. On the contrary, the report calls
the present situation in the West an "over-development."
It's conclusion is that not only has the present regime
fostered the investment of capital in water-power but
that it has gone too far and over-stimulated it.

Is this opinion based on the fact that electrically gen-
erated water-power per capita in the States in question
is from 120 horsepower per 1000 inhabitants in the
Mountain States to 160 in the Pacific States as against
30 for the country at large? If so, it ' is apparent to
some that it stands on a poor foundation.

If a reason is sought for the four-fold production of
water-power per capita in the West as compared with
that of the rest of the country, it is not to be found in
the enticements to capital offered by the existing laws
<*nd regulations. It lies, figuratively and actually, much
deeper — it is to be found in the lack of coal out there.

If this section of our country is to progress industrial-

ly it must progress by means of oil-power and water-
power and in spite of lack of coal power. That elec-
trically generated water-power there is more than four-
fold that of the country at large is so because of the
demand for cheapest power available in that section —
nothing else.

For this reason, all will not agree with those who
are satisfied with the present state of affairs. Why should
not the preponderance of water-power per 1000 inhabit-
ants in the West be five-fold or ten-fold greater than
for the country at large? In many places the actual
excess cost price of coal as compared to the average
cost for the country at large approaches that proportion.
Therein lies the real reason of hydroelectric develop-
ment.

In the Eastern and Central States the coal mine is
still actively competing with water-power. In the West
the latter has the advantage. And, from all points of
\iew, it is probable that the actual effect of the present
laws on this subject has been to hold back legitimate
growth. Hence the persistent efforts that are being
made to reform them.

Sound regulation of these resources demands that
there should be no unnecessary clog to needed develop-
ments. If there are features of the existing laws that
have this effect, then the growth of water-power use, as
shown, has progressed in spite of these adverse factors.
If they are removed, none can deny that it will be all
the better for the industry.

The legislation now pending in Congress is drawn, for
the most part, with this in mind and its passage may be
expected to improve the situation as regards the terms
imposed on capital seeking investment in this field.
♦ "•'♦♦

MaBprijmgj H©ms© Wiring Campaign"

The "campaign" for house-wiring that is to be pushed
from March 15th to April 15th represents the spirit of
"get-together" that found its first practical expression
in the formation of the Society for Electrical Develop-
ment.

There is no doubt that the unwired house within easy
reach of existing lines is the widest domestic field that
is open to the enterprising electric light and power com-
pany. Nowhere is this more true than in the big East-
ern cities, where there are solid blocks of expensive
lesidances that are still in the dark and odorous age of
gas lighting.

And the lighting is now but the small end of the busi-
ness, too. In the not remote past too much stress in seeking
new business has been placed merely on lighting. This
was natural, as up to a few years ago lighting service was
all there was to offer.

Times have changed now and the central station man-
agement that advertises electric lighting only, also ad-
vertises that it has not quite caught up to date.

Many a family to-day finds that the "house electrical"

ELECTRICAL

AGE

March, 1916

is one in which the domestic work can be done with a
tithe of the labor that would have been required even ten
years ago. As a result there are thousands of dollars
that formerly were out for domestic service that are now
being earned by the electrical service companies.

This turn of affairs has the three-fold advantage of ;
1st, Promoting health and inducing economy in the home.
2nd, Releasing domestic labor for better and more pro-
ductive work elsewhere. 3rd, Increasing the usefulness
and earning of the electric service company.

The aim of the campaign to add 100,000 residences
to the country's central station-load may or may not be
realized, but the skillful and vigorous prosecution of this
work will undoubtedly bring in results well worth the
effort.

Its success cannot be estimated by the returns in the
limits of the month involved. Seeds will be sown that
will come to bearing all along through the coming sum-
mer and fall. It will be interesting, not to say instruc-
tive, to learn just how many new consumers taken on
during 1916 can be traced to the campaign, and it is
hoped that the companies participating will make efforts
to get and record this information as accurately as pos-
sible.

The cost of so doing should be practically nil and the
results will be of much value for work in the future.
♦ ♦♦♦ •$»

The collapse of a steel tower, used for lighting pur-
poses in San Jose, California, during the recent gales on
ihe Pacific Coast will cause many people in electrical
circles to again question the durability of the modern
steels for out-door structures.

This tower was thirty-five years old and 265 feet
high. Expert examinations of the structure, one made
a few months, another a few weeks before it fell, evi-
dently failed to disclose its true condition, for it was
used for carrying hundreds of lights before it went
down.

There was some of the usual talk about crystalliza-
tion resulting from vibration, but the fact remains that
the tower— always well painted and cared for — simply
crumbled up one night, just as any old, rotten pole
might have done. Would not a wooden tower equally
carefully maintained have lasted longer?

There are many engineers who think that the pre-
vailing use of steel, as it is now made, in the slender
members employed for out-door structures will eventu-
ally be found costly and disappointing under the climatic
conditions existing in most parts of the country. The
best railroad practice, after many years of experience,
is getting away from its use in bridges wherever pos-
sible. The transmission structures of twenty years
hence, if there are any, will probably be of concrete.
By that time there will have accumulated a mass of
experience as to the actual life of steel structures,
that will remove the question from the field of dis-
cussion.

Electrical' industry as it stands to-day is essentially
a growth of peace. Born, bred and growing up for the

most part, in England, the only country of Europe that
for hundreds of years had never. felt the foot of the for-
eigner on its soil, and in the United States, it was adopted
by the rest of the world. France pushed it to a point in
some respects further ahead than in its mother lands.
Germany has turned its possibilities to the making of
modern war.

We know that the past year is really the first in which
this complicated creation of fifty years of peace has had
to face the stress of war. As to what effect this has
had on the German electrical industries, we know very
little. Practically, the only thing that is certain is that
the militarized industries of the German hive have pro-
duce an output of war-material that has, so far, enabled
the nation to more than hold its own in the field, and
has amazed the on-looking world. As to just how this is
done, the censor has let us have a few details.

The situation in England is somewhat clearer.

From all' reports we gather that the high cost of
fuel and nearly all materials and labor entering in the
manufacture an doperation of electric machinery have
exercised a depressing tendency on business in gener-
al, but to the credit of British solidarity it appears
that the better organization of industry, the replace-
ment to a large extent of competition by cooperation
and the united effort of all interested to reduce every
form of waste and pull strongly together for the wel-
fare of the industry and the country, have more than
overcome the' handicaps.

One of the more noticeable of these latter is the
wide-spread reduction of residential lighting. This
is the national response to the frantic appeals
of the leading financial interests for economy. The ad-
verse effect of this phase of the war activities is more
than over balanced, so far as concern revenues, by
the enormous expansion of the manufacture of war ma-
terial, which everywhere is running on full time of
three shifts of eight hours each,.

According to all indications the mobilization of
these industries has been able to neutralize nearly all
the disadvantages imposed by war conditions, except
possibly the absorption of capital and labor by the
marine and military, which, of course,1 cannot be com-
pensated for directly.. Nevertheless, on the whole, the
shock of war and its effects have been well sustained,
and generally the English electrical industries appear
to be more than holdjng their own. Another year of war
may reveal a different state of affairs.

The improvement in the reliability of high-voltage
transmission lines, which is very noticeable of recent
years, has undoubtedly been due to the development
of insulator testing and the periodical determination
of the resistances of line insulators in place.

This sort of test has become standard on all high-
voltage lines that lay stress on absolute continuity of
service and has proved to be the stitch in time that
saves nine thousand.

The testing of other apparatus is just as important
and reasons and ways for carrying out such tests are
given in an article that we present on another page.

^5J^6-Pj

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By L. R. Watterson

A. study of the method ascribed in the article of the No-
vember issue, entitled "How to Install Storage Batteries"
leads to the belief that there are several features of the
method given which could be improved upon.

For the installation of these types of storage plants most
any sort of a building is generally placed in service, but a
little remodeling should be done so as to give good ventila-
tion, thereby eliminating the dangers, as far as possible,
created by acid fumes; for these plants, in a majority of the
installations, are left in inexperienced hands to maintain:
therefore extra caution should be taken.

In regard to the arrangement of a complete 30-volt storage
plant as shown in the illustration, there are several points
capable of improvement.

1. The generator should not be placed in the immediate
vicinity of open storage cells, as the fumes, consisting of
hydrogen, oxygen, and acid, will in time damage the same.

2. The system is so placed in relation to the window that
the outside air currents will at all times force the acid fumes
away from the generator, switchboard and engine.

Ventilator

'Outside Wall

Room for Generator; Switchboard,
Engine &- Misc.

Outside Wall-

Fig. 1 — Plan of Battery Room

In Fig. 1, is shown a drawing for a floor plan, which has
often been used and found to be very satisfactory. Note the
relation of the ventilators to the battery. The inside parti-
tion should be tight.

The generator, switchboard and engine may be placed
anywhere in the outer room to advantage, although the
switchboard is generally placed as close as possible to, or on
the dividing partition.

Fig. 2, shows the side elevation of the same method of

installation. Note again the relation of the ventilators to the
battery, which draws the fumes away from connections, etc.,
into the open air. The roof of the battery room should of
course be absolutely tight.

The battery shelves have to be very strong, and it is best
to give them two or three coats of good acid resisting paint
or varnish, to keep them in a sound condition (If they are
wood or reinforced concrete.)

S Plate

.Outside Wall

.-■Roof of Battery Room

Outside
Wo/I'

Clearance

&■
Storage

'Shelf Support

',' Battery Tars

Inside Partition

Fig. 2 — Side hlevation of Battery Room

Fig. 3, is the method of putting the wooden baffle bars or
plates in the ventilators, these ought to remain loose so that
they may be removed when necessary. A shutter should be
provided for cold climates.

Method of placing Wooden
Bars in Ventilators

Fig. 3 — Arrangement of Shutter

As for the wiring: just before entering battery room it is
best to use either lead sheathed wire or cable, or wooden
trunking (such as used by the railroads in the signal de-
partment). In the later case, ordinary insulated wire is bu-

ELECTRICAL AGE

March, 1916

ried in tar in the trunking and the leads brought out so as
to have them exposed as little as possible. On the exposed
leads, paraffin and paper, grease, or tar (the latter is mixed
with linseed oil to make it pliable) may be placed as a resis-
tance to the action of the acid.

When counter or end cells are used, added caution should
be taken on account of the increased amount of fumes.
*** *** ■»♦♦

C@n<gm2iftficg Wtefiaafp

There are two factors involved in the discussion now in
progress about concentric wiring. One of these is the matter oi
safety, the other that of cost. Unless the concentric system of
,/iring is less costly than other methods it will find little de-
mand. On the other hand, if it is less safe, but less costly, it
should not be used. This is about the status of the matter at
the present time.

The matter of safety centers round that of grounding. To
be safe it would be necessary to insist on rigid, frequent and
strong grounding. There are difficulties in obtaining a really
good ground, and it is not always possible to maintain it in this
condition.

The suggestion by Querist that neither conductor be ground-
ed would not be acted upon, the writer feels sure, for such a
suggestion is too radical.

The concentric method of wiring as generally understood
consists of a No. 14 copper wire rubber covered and braided.
Outside this is wrapped a thin tinned water-tight copper sheath.
The interior wire is the "hot" wire, the outer covering being
connected to the neutral or grounded wire. Those in authority
are very strong in their objections against concealing the wires,
and insist that the concentric wiring be used for branch circuits
only, and it is to enforce this riding that the interior wire has
not been made larger than No. 14 copper. At the time of
writing the concentric method of wiring has not been formally
approved by the underwriters or local municipal authorities of
Chicago.

Ttie concentric wiring is used quite extensively in Europe, es-
pecially in Italy and Germany for the w:ring of workmens'
cottages. On the other hand in England in many municipalities
its Use is not permitted at all.

Room With Concentric Wiring

An interesting installation is shown in the accompanying
photograph. This installation was made at the Hotel Sherman
for purposes of demonstration during the convention of> the
Western Association of Electrical Inspectors held from Jan-
uary 25th to 28th. The fittings were made by the General
Electric Company.

Considerable interesting information on the concentric sys-

tem of wiring will be found in the Transaction (Commercial)
of the National Electric Light Association recently issued from
the press.

There is a field for concentric wiring, where it will be safe,
economical ; on the other hand there are times when it should
not be used. If all concerned will remember this there should
be now trouble from fire or accident from electric shock. Like
everything new it meets with opposition, disinterested and other-
wise. K. R.
*> ♦ ♦♦♦

M, IMsmpfej, lL<®w,°>W©Mm<§® MM.m©stm,t

Rheostats for the control of moderate and large currents at
low voltage are usually bulky and expensive, especially if a
considerable range of adjustment is necessary. Not only is diffi-
culty found in disposing of the heat but contact resistance at
low voltage is especially troublesome. On account of their
comparatively high resistance and unstability, water rheostats
are not odinarily desirable.

The writer recently built a rheostat for a range of from 10
to 200 amperes at a voltage varying from 4 to 7 volts. The
main requirement was the ability to adjust the current ac-
curately at any point and maintain it at that value through a
40 per cent, fluctuation of voltage.

No data being available for its construction, fifteen carbon
plates 7 x 7 x ^ inches were laid horizontally in a wooden
frame by ^-inch bolts coming up from the bottom. This chan-
nel iron was tapped at the middle to take a ^4-inch machine bolt
to which a hand wheel had been screwed and by means of

-To Adjust Current

Wood Block - .
Surface of Water

Carbon P/afes-~:

To Circuit

Vew of Rheostat

which the plates could be compressed. An iron plate was placed
on the top of the carbon plates and under the screw to prevent
breakage. Two copper plates 7 x 8 x 1-16 inches were made
and terminal wires of Nd. 2 stranded copper connected to them
by lugs. The copper plates were placed between the carbon
plates after the manner of the usual carbon stack and the
whole rheostat set in a small tank of water with the hand
wheel projecting above the surface.

By varying the number of carbon plates between the copper
terminals for each wide change of current and getting all
adjustments to allow for voltage variation by compressing the
plates, this rheostat gave perfect satisfaction and could prob-
ably have carried much more than 200 amperes.

Trial showed that only eight plates were necessary for the
above range, each additional carbon plate reducing the current,
roughly speaking, 25 amperes. The resistance was remarkably
constant and very little attention was necessary while the voltage
remained constant. It might be interesting to note that his same
rheosat when not immersed in water, ignited the wooden
frame at 100 amperes. - M. M. F.

March, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

The accompanying sketch shows the design of novel magnetic
separator pulleys which are useful wherever it is desired to
continuously remove the magnetic content from non-magnetic
bulk material. For example, they are used with success in
removing pick-heads and coupling pins, from coal passing to a
crusher which would be damaged by the entrance of such
material. They are used for similar purposes at phosphate
rock mines and quarries. In the production of sulphite fibre
paper stock, they are used to remove stray iron and steel from
the wood chips before these are delivered to the sulphate tanks.

Arrangement of Magnetic Separator Pulley

These magnetic separator pulleys are also used in the produc-
tion of cement, gypsum, limestone, clay for terra cotta manu-
facture, as well as in the freeing of grain and tobacco from
bits of iron or steel before grinding. They also find employ-
ment in city refuse disposal plants, for removing tin cans,
horse shoes, and nails from the worthless material. The mag-
netic separator pulleys are used for the separation of any stray
iron and magnetic content from bulk materials, and for the
protection of grinding, crushing and pulverizing machinery.

As to the principle of operation, the magnetizing of the
pulley is accomplished by means of passing direct current through
windings in the interior of the pulley. The current sets up a
magnetic flux which passes through the belt and attracts any
iron or steel that may be contained in the material carried by
the belt. As a result these pieces are held in contact with the
belt until the latter leaves the pulley underneath. Here they
are dropped and may be collected in a box or kept separate (by
means of a barrier) from the other material which is projected
beyond the pulley.

The disposal of the materials is cared for according to the
amount and kind of product handled. These separating pulleys
can often be used to replace the existing head sheave where a
belt conveyor is being used. The small diameter pully is un-
suitable for driving long or steep conveyor flights.

It is often necessary to install a short conveyor, say about
six feet long, onto which the main conveyor discharges. The
magnetic separator pulley can then be used on the discharge end
of this short conveyor. A similar arrangement is used where the
material to be separated is being discharged from a chute.
Direct current is required to energize the magnetic separator
pulley when in operation. The pulleys can be connected, there-
fore, to any no or 220-volt direct-current electric system, al-
though in some cases, pulleys are operated on 500-volt direct-
current circuits.

These pulleys consist of a number of steel discs keyed to a
shaft, an- electro-magnetic winding being placed between alter-
nate discs. The magnetizing coils are wound on steel bobbins,
which are dowelled to the discs to prevent shifting. The coils
are all connected in series and terminal wires brought through
a hole in the center of the shaft to a pair of collector rings
located far enough beyond the edge of the pulley to permit the
location of a bearing between the collector rings and the pul-
leys.

It will be seen that the use of a steel bobbin secures all the
advantages of the bobbin type construction without the disad-
vantage of reduced space efficiency which attends the use of s>
non-magnetic bobbin. A tubular brass spacer, which also per-
forms the function of a coil shield, is placed between adjoining
steel discs.

It is of interest to note that the magnetic pull varies as the
square of the number of lines of force per square inch of
pole area, from which it may be seen that a small reduction
as from 100,000 lines per square inch to 90,000 lines per square
inch reduces the pull to 81 per cent. Too much steel in the
poles reduces the number of lines of force per square inch just
as too little copper does. The windings, if placed near the
shaft instead of near the outside of the pulley, will require much
less copper but the efficiency will be reduced on account of ex-
cessive leakages.

* * *

Notwithstanding the closest attention to details, slips will
occur in the simplest as well as in the most elaborately checked
and counter-checked routine systems, because in the end, a
great deal depends on the individual and no individual is in-
fallible : if he were he would not be part of a routine.

A large Western city included a main power station in con-
nection with several smaller auxiliary stations. Feeder voltage
regulators were being received for all. There was little differ-
ence in the regulators as far as size and appearance were con-
cerned, but there was considerable difference in their regulating
ranges and in their current capacities.

The regulators were promptly installed and they had not
been in operation long before one of them began to evidence
undue heating. The local force disassembled the unit and it
was subjected to the usual inspections and tests for poor con-
nections, wrong connections, short-circuits and grounds, but
nothing unusual could be found except evidence of excessive
heating of the secondary. While the inspections and tests were
being conducted, a correspondence school operator in another
station that had had no trouble, noticed that the current rating
of one of his new regulators, far exceed the current capacity
of the feeder with which the regulator was being used. On
calling attention to what he had noticed, the trouble with the hot
regulator was at once suspected : — It was of the wrong rating,
as was proven by investigation.

It seems that each parcel had its destination marked on it,
but the truckman, who had never been known to make such
a mistake before he made one this time and had delivered the
wrong regulator although he had shown the right receipt.

If the regulator had heated only slightly instead of very much,
probably it would have burned out in course of time, because
the over-heating would have escaped notice until too late.

* ♦> ♦>

@p«ra,M3&g a Sflssicsun Plaa&t

The big water-power electric plant of the Mexican Light &
Power Company at Necaxa, out in the wilds of the Mexican
mountains, has had its share of attention from the bands of
scoundrels who have been terrorizing the adjacent country for
the past eight months.

The "rebels" tried to cut the transmission lines by climbing
the towers, but 44,000 volts soon dicouraged that. They alsa
tried to shoot up the insulators, but owing to their notoriously
poor marksmanship and rotten ammunition little damage has
been done in that manner.

At the plant itself a powerful searchlight is mounted on the
building and the single road that approaches the place is lit by
tungsten lamps controlled from the inside. In addition to the
arming of the operating forces with rifles, the government has-
a company of picked soldiers with a Hotchkins rapid-firer and
two Colt machines to garrison the place, which, thanks to these
precautions, still continues to furnish light and power to the:
capital 130 miles away.

ELECTRICAL AGE

March, 1916

As there has been considerable interest in the discussion of
the matter of the danger of touching grounded guy wires
while same were in contact with a live conductor, we believe
that an experience of this nature that occurred in a town in
the State of Washington as sent in by a correspondent will
prove of more than passing interest:

The secondary lighting distribution is 110-220 volt, 3-wire
alternating current, single phase; the primary circuits being
3-phase. All secondary circuits have their neutrals grounded.
In most cases the transformers are not interconnected. Each
transformer feeding its own secondary system. In one case in
the center of town, two lighting transformers, located on dif-
ferent poles two blocks apart, are interconnected in open delta
to secure 220 volts 3-phase for some small 3-phase motors. In
this case the neutral of one transformer only is grounded. The
grounds are made by driving iY2 in. pipe 4 to 5 feet into the
ground and placing salt around them.

Last winter on a wet day when the streets were soft and
muddy, one side of the service to a blacksmith shop became
grounded at the point of entrance to the building, on the cor-
rugated iron siding of the building. The first intimation we
had of any trouble was when the report came in that the street
around a certain pole was charged with electricity.

The pole reported was the one carrying the ground wire for
the above mentioned transformer bank, and was 3 blocks from
the building where the ground causing the trouble was located.
Our informant stated that a delivery man was driving along
near the pole when his horse was suddenly knocked flat down,
and that the men trying to get him up all experienced shocks
when standing in the street. The report was taken for a joke,
but "safety first," and a lineman was sent out to investigate.
He promptly reported that the condition did exist, and that
just as he arrived, a team being driven by near the center of
the street had suddenly attempted to run away when opposite
the pole.

We secured a volt meter, some wire, and a couple of sheet
iron plates about 6 x 12 ins., and hurried to the scene.

Voltage tests revealed the following conditions existing.
Voltage from ground pipe to center of street, 160 volts.
Voltage from ground pipe to earth one foot from ground pipe,
25 volts. Voltage from one foot from ground pipe to a point
15 feet distant towards center of street, no volts. The voltage
did not get any stronger after the center of the street was
passed, or an equal distance in the direction of the blacksmith
shop. In the two opposite directions there was very little
voltage difference.

A person could stand with his feet apart, extending toward
and away from the poles, anywhere within 20 feet of it on
the two sides of the pole, and get all the shock he wanted to
take; the further apart the feet the stronger the shock.

It was some days before we were able to locate the ground
that was causing the trouble, and until we did we had to keep
the neutral ground disconnected.

A few days later the same thing was reported in another
part of town. In this case there were only 3 blocks of line
and 4 residences on the transformer, and we were able to locate
the trouble at once.

The lower floor of one of the residences is wired in metal
moulding. The metal moulding being grounded to the water
pipes in the basement. The ground occurred in a fixture at-
tached to the metal moulding.

The voltage difference around the ground rod was not so
great in this case as in the one of the 3-phase bank. There was
a potential of 94 volts from the ground rod to a wire fence
to ft. from it and running parallel to the line for 50 ft. towards
the house in which the ground occurred, and at no point nearer

the house than 300 ft. A slight shock could also be felt by
standing in the mud near this ground rod. The most peculiar
phenomenon was at the house where the ground occurred. One
could stand on the lawn and get a shock by touching water
hydrants that came up out of the ground. These hydrants were
a part of the pipe system to which the metal moulding was
grounded. In this pipe system there were some three or four
hundred feet of pipe under ground, andl a pump, the suction
pipe of which extended down into the water of the well. All
were metalically connected, and it would seem that if there
were ever a chance for a perfect ground it were here. Yet
sufficient current would come up out of the ground on any
hydrant on the system, to flow through the body and back
to the ground again through the shoes, to give an appreciable
shock.

While these cases are somewhat different from the case of
a grounded guy rod, yet they are analegous in the existing
potential gradents in the adjacent earth, under certain condi-
tions. And if on the low secondary voltage present in these
cases there was a difference of potential of no volts in 15 ft.,
what proportion might it not asume in the grounding through
guy rods, of 20,000 to 60,000 volts?

A A A

V V V

Another correspondent writes :

"One of my friends, who is an electrician, going home to
spend his Christmas vacation, was called into a neighbor's house
and asked to explain why it was that when the kitchen floor
was damp, one touching the faucet of the water pipe was liable
to get a shock strong enough to knock him down, and the
same results followed on touching the gas pipes. The special
mystery in this case was that there was no electric service in the
house. .

"An investigation resulted in finding that on the street In front
of the house the power company had a ground plate located 12
feet below the surface. One side of this plate was 6 feet away
from the water main, and the other was about 8 feet away
from the gas main. The loss of potential in the vicinity of
this plate was sufficient to build up a voltage on the gas pipe
and also on the water pipe. The amount of the voltage in this
case can be judged from the fact that my friend's remedy was
to tie the gas and the water pipe together by a wire and con->
nected a 12^ volt series street lamp between this cross wire
and the ground, which lamp he kindly installed in the kitchen.
It burns day and night, and so long as it is burning no shock
is experienced upon touching the water or gas main, but if
it is turned out the difference is at once felt. The family now
turn it out and with a few wires from the water pipe around
the house make it also serve the purpose of a burglar alarm.

"What the power company thinks about all this is not related
in the story."

A ' A A

Thousands of dollars of greenbacks and yellowbacks of all
denominations are now being washed daily by the United
States Treasury Department in specially built electrical wash-
ing, drying and ironing machines. By constant use bills be-
come dirty and grimy in a short time. To destroy such bills
and issue new ones when they were not otherwise damaged was
found to be very expensive and highly inefficient. Machines
were therefore installed into which dirty and crumpled bills
are introduced at one end to come out of the other end in a
couple of minutes looking like new. One of these machines
was exhibited at the recent New York Electrical Show. It is
motor-driven and capable of washing, rinsing and pressing
6,000 bills an hour. Banks, from all parts of the city sent
dirty money to be electrically laundered.

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Answering the question on testing for open circuits, or
grounds in series street light circuits, one of the best recom-
mended methods for general testing is the Evans method for
locating opens. This is as follows : referring to Fig. 1 ; I
represents an induction coil ; one terminal of the secondary is
grounded and the other connected to a point A, whkh is the
junction of two resistances, at least one of which, say n, must
be adjustable. BAC could be a high-resistance slide wire, A
being the point that is adjusted along the slide wire, or m, n

Sec. J

WAV .

Pri.

*Switch Board

Fig. 1 — Illustrating Testing for Open Circuit

could be the two arms of a Wheatstone bridge. BFC repre-
sents the circuit which is open at a point F. A telephone receiv-
er is connected across BC. Adjust the resistance n, or the
position of the point A, if BAC is a slide wire, until the sound
produced in the receiver by the current from the secondary coil,
as it charges the open line, is reduced to zero or at least to a
minimum. The bridge arrangement is then balanced and we
have 1:1. The length of wire is proportional to its

m : n : : — —
y x
capacity, but the opposition of a condenser to an alternating
current is inversely proportional to its capacity. Hence, the
resistances m, n are inversely proportional to the lengths of the
open wires, as stated in the proportion. Solving the proportion
for x, the distance along the broken wire to the fault F, gives
my mL

x = • As x + y = L then x = . If L is given in

n n 4- m

Leads 1 and 2 should be of the

feet then x will be in feet,
same resistance.

TO LOCATE GROUNDS

The following modification of the Murray loop test gives a
very simple and quick method of testing where the resistance
of the circuit loop is not known. Referring to Fig. 2, the loop
BED is connected to the bridge and a balance obtained. Then,

m + y

Now, reverse the connections of the loop

with the bridge, joining BF to D and DE to B.
m' + x y

Obtain a new

balance on the bridge, then = .

n' p'

equations for x gives the following formula:

Solving these two

Fig. 2 — Diagram for Testing for Ground
p (mn' + p'm')

nn — pp'
This formula simplifies when m, m', n, and n' are multiples of
10, as they usually are in practice. A measurement made by
this method is independent of the resistance of the fault.
♦ " .♦ *

Answering E. A.'s question in the January issue in regard
to "locating open or grounded lines on series street light cir-
cuits," the quickest and easiest way to 'find an open circuit is
to ground one side of line at plant or generator as shown in
Fig. 1 accompanying diagram. Commence the test about the

Ground here in test
^ for open Line

rotor
Tran ^former

Open up here
for res t

Magneto

Fig. 1 — Diagram for Testing Open Circuit

middle of the troubled circuit and disconnect a wire from one
side of a lamp (as per diagram, lamp No. 6 for instance) and

ELECTRICAL AGE

March, 1916

connect one wire of magneto to disconnected wire and ground
the other magneto wire. If you get a ring on this test, the
line is O. K. from there to plant. Now remove magneto wire
from line and connect to lamp (as per diagram No. 6 lamp, Fig.
1) and if there is an open circuit there will be no ring that
way. Connect up that lamp again and go ahead six or seven
lamps. Make the same test again at another lamp, and when
there is a ring on the line in the direction the test is being
made then the break has been passed. Now go back a lamp
at a time and the trouble will be found very readily. This
method has been tested out many times and we have always
found the trouble in a reasonable length of time.

A grounded circuit is tested out in pretty much the same
way as an open circuit, only the line must be disconnected on
side of generator or transformer instead of being grounded,

Answering question regarding meter connection in February
Issue :

The amount of power registered by the meter at 110 volts will
always be twice as great as the true amount. The power record-
ed by the meter is that due fo the sum of the power flowing
through the two meter elements, which is proportional to
the algebraic sum of the power in the three phases. The total
current in the one element of the wattmeter connected in the
phase that carries single-phase lighting load as well as three-
phase power load is the algebraic sum of the currents due to
the lighting and the power, since the power load has compara-
tively low and the lighting comparatively high power factor.

Transformer
vVWWV-T-VWWW

Transformer
Disconnect here

Fig. 2 — Illustrating Ground Test

as per Fig. 2. Then proceed as in test for open circuit. Dis-
connect a wire from a lamp located about the center of the
line and connect magneto as previously explained. If there is
no ring, the line is O. K. from this point to the power house.
Now, connecting the magneto to the lamp, test the other way and
there will be a ring if the line is grounded. Proceed as before,
going ahead five or siz lamps at a time, until upon testing, the
magneto fails to ring. Then the ground has been passed and by
going back a lamp at a time until there is a ring the ground is
readily located.

Care must be taken to reconnect the lamps in circuit, for to
leave one disconnected will be confusing for a time. D. H.

The above method can also be worked by connecting the one
side of the street light circuit after it has been disconnected
from the generator or transformer, to some convenient ground-
ed low-voltage circu't, and thence test out on the line to ground
vith a lamp or two. This avoids the need of using the magneto.

Ed.

Answers to this problem have been received from C. M. H.,
K. F. R., E. S. O. and others.

IToEteip IEI§® in Unlets H,E,amsfi©rsaei"

The best way to understand this is to consider that the iron
in a series transformer, with the secondary circuit closed
through a comparatively low resistance, has the magnetism in-
duced in it by the primary turn or turns pretty well counter-
balanced by the current circulating in the closed secondary
circuit. In this case, therefore, the magnetic induction in the
iron is very small and the effect on the primary circuit is ap-
proximately as if the resistance of the winding was the only
thing inserted. A millivoltmeter, connected across the ends of
the primary turn, would show only a small drop.

As soon as the secondary circuit is opened, this balancing
effect of its ampere turns disappear. The induction in the iron
increases greatly and tends to induce a correspondingly high
voltage in the open-circuited secondary. This is what causes
the trouble referred to. The series transformer under these
conditions is like a choke coil in the primary circuit and has an
increase in the voltage in the voltage across its terminals, pro-
portional to the induction of the coil, which, of course, depends
on the amount of current in the primary circuit. W. K.

Correct answers to this problem have been received from
A. P. B., S. T., K. R., A. J. W., J. S. H., and J. A. F.

Polyphase Wattmeter

Mixed Load Meter Connection

This total current is metered as if it were at a potential of
220 volts entirely, whereas part of it is at a potential of only
110 volts. It can be seen, therefore, that the error of registra-
tion of the lighting or single-phase load is exactly 100 per cent.,
irrespective of what the percentage error may be. To be able
to express the extent of the error as a percentage of the total
amount of power recorded by the meter it would be necessary to
know the relative proportion of lighting load to the power load.

K. R.
Correct answers to this problem have also been received from
C: E, E. L. D, A. M. H., H. A. F, and J. S. H.

P^©M@a@a^ i©T !>©liitl@ii

The following are offered for your discussion. If you have
information on these subjects or if you have had experience in
these matters, then here is the chance for you to help those in
difficulty. Published answers and discussions are paid for.

Can you give us any reliable information as to the cost of
concrete poles — both reinforced and non-reinforced — for trans-
mission and distribution lines? M. N.

What is the simplest and best way to find the power factor
of a current by the use of a watt meter only? What are the
conditions under which it can be done? M. S.

R. M. E., E. H. W., and several other correspondents have
pointed out that the uper inside cut on page 47 of the January
issue entitled Fig. 3 should be correctly represented as shown
below.

Fig. 3 of Page 47, January Issue, Correctly Drawn

March, 191 6

ELECTRICAL AGE

Regarding question about induction motor in the February
issue, in view of the fact that the motor reverses sometimes
and not at others, the writer is inclined to believe that there
must be a loose or poor connection in the winding connections
of the motor, or on the switching device. Any three-phase
motor whose starting apparatus is properly connected to a motor
whose windings are all right will reverse when any two of
the wires to the motor are reversed. A. P. B.

The exact reason for this action is not known. It is a well
known fact, however, that the torque of the third harmonic
current is in the opposite direction to the main torque. The
main torque tends to reverse the motor when the connections
are reversed, while the torque of the third harmonic tends to
maintain the original direction at one-third the speed.

If the triple frequency current is very strong the torque set
up by it might be sufficient to overcome the main torque which
is reduced at time of reversing phases. This would tend to
keep the motor running in the original direction at but one
third of the normal speed.

If the characteristics of the motor are such as to favor third
harmonics, this counter torque may be of sufficient magnitude
to prevent the reversal, especially as the main torque is relatively
small at that time. Occasionally this effect is present in two
speed motors preventing them from operating at their proper
speeds. This trouble occurs more frequently with two-phase
than with three-phase motors as the higher harmonics are
more pronounced. The probable cause of this is that the pitch
of the coils is too small.

It may also be due to a distortion of the rotating magnetic
field caused by poor contacts on the squirrel cage winding and
has sometimes been cured by changing the winding.

It might also be caused by a partial short circuit or ground
on one phase of the stator winding. W. K.

Answers to this problem have also been received from E. S.,
C. M. F. and A. J. K.

M&mfismsum Wfiffiang

As a solution of the problem in "Minimum Wiring" pro-
posed in the February issue, the following diagram is sub-
mitted.

If the result can be accomplished with less wiring than shown
here, an explanation of the method of doing so will be wel-
come. W. D. B.

To find current division in case proposed in January issue:
The connection shown is a simple closed delta with connection

from one transformer and the other two in parallel, as shown in

the sketch.

Simplified Diagram of Connections
in January Issue

For balanced load, A and B carry the same current which is
half that in C because their impedance is twice as much and
load division of transformers in parallel with equal induced
voltages, depends on the impedances.

If the current is not balanced the total impedance drop in C
must equal that in A and B. Then if Z is the impedance of
each transformer

2 hZ

2 2

Solving I\ = h 4- h — /av
4 2

where h, is the average current in C and h, is the current in
A and B? R. H. W.

* * *

Referring to J. E. M.'s question regarding the charging cur-
rent in a transmission line in the December issue: the following
calculations may be of interest.
2 X 3.14 N C E

I =

10-6
where I = charging current
N = frequency
C = capacity of circuit

E = voltage between lines and neutral in three-phase
1 .25 L
line = — x line voltage and C =

log 2D

W . D. B's Solution

O O

a 0

) a <~y~^7

C. M. F."s Solution

The following is submitted as the answer to E. L. V.'s prob-
lem on "Minimum Wiring" in February issue.

The above arrangement will also place the center of distribu-
tion correctly and at the same time take the minimum amount of
wire. C. M. F.

Answers similar to this have been received from E. B. S. and
A. J. K.

1 = length of line in cm.
D = distance between lines
d = dia. of wire

substituting the values given by J. E. M.

2 X 3.14 X C X 25 X 46,000 25 X 10-6 X 1

I = c =

log 2 X 12

io.-e x y3

289

C = 2.07

. . I = 8.63

This is only the approximate or average value. Each section
of the line should be calculated separately as the charging
current is not the same over the entire line. However, for
practical purposes, the transmission line can be considered as one
condenser.

The above calculations do not agree with E. J. F.'s calcula-
tions in the January number, in which the results would seem
to be too large. H. H. W.

ELECTRICAL AGE

Makch, 1916

Four-wire, three-phase is used on both transmission and dis-
tribution. For transmission, the transformers are connected in
star on the high tension side and the neutral is grounded. A
grounded neutral wire is frequently run on the towers above all
other wires to serve as protection against static and lightning
cisturbance. As the load on a transmission system is nearly
alwavs balanced between phases, the neutral wire carries little or
no current and its size is determined from mechanical considera-
tions and the size desirable to ensure successfully carrying off
static discharges.

For distribution systems the load is generally unbalanced
(single phase lighting). On account of different location and
height of poles lighting protection is less important than in trans-
mission. For distribution, four-wire, three-phase is useful be-
cause, like the Edison three wire d. c. system, it admits dis-
tribution at higher voltages with standard voltage apparatus.
By carrying 4,000 volts between lines the voltage from neutral
to live is about 2300 which is standard distribution voltage. If
the loads are fairly well balanced the neutral wire carries little
current and most of the energy is distributed at 4000 volts, saving
considerable copper. The size of the neutral wire depends on
how nearly the single-phase loads are balanced. Any three
phase load will not affect it. The minimum size of neutral is
determined from mechanical strength or ability to handle short
circuit. To keep the stock of wire down it is common practice
to use the same size wire for neutral and live. Under worst con-
ditions it need be no larger.

For single-phase load, one transformer is needed connected
from neutral to a live wire. For three phase two transformers
in V or three in delta would be best. In either case the neutral
would not be used.

For overhead distribution the wire size will be determined by
the allowable voltage drop. Each case must be figured by itself
and in some cases factors may be disregarded which would have
a big effect in others. The example below is not intended as
a formula but just as a particular case.

Assume — lighting load, 5 per cent, allowable drop, distribu-
tion of load as in table, load on line at once assumed to be 2-3
of connected load. Since the drop varies directly with the dis-
tance it is possible to get for each phase an "equivalent load at
1000 feet" by multiplying each load by its distance, adding the
results and dividing by the distance chosen (1000 ft.). Get
equivalent currents for all phases. Get neutral current by add-
ing three line currents at 120.0 (can be done graphically).
The heaviest drop will be on phase C and will be the same as
that due to 1000 amps in the live wire and 370 amps in the neu-
tral. For simplicity assume neutral same size as live. If R is
resistance per 1000 ft. the total drop is

1000 R + 370 R = Drop

Phase

Equivalent
Amps, at
1,000 ft.

Joad-Amps

Distance

from

Power House

Amp. ft.

Amp.

150

IOO

1,000

100,000

300

200

1,200

240,000

2,000

100,000

300

200

2,50O

500,000

300

200

3,500

700,000

150

IOO

4,000

400,000

150

IOO

5,ooo

500,000

Phase

A total

600,000

600

Phase

B total

940,000

940

Phase

C total

1,000,000

1,000

Neutral total

370

Allowable drop

is 5 per

cent, of line

voltage (2300)

which is

115.

1370 R =

115

R =

084

The

nearest commercial

wire size is

No. 00 which

has .078

ohms

per 1000 ft

IBrowiciiiig a Ifemtral

It is usually considered the better practice to ground the
neutral of the four-wire, three-phase circuit. The ground
should, however, exist at one place only, and that place should
preferably be at the station from which the circuit emanates,
for there a good ground can usually be obtained. By grounding
the neutral it is held stable and at ground potential. Since
there might be considerable voltage drop in the fourth wire
under heavy unbalanced load grounding at the station will re-
duce somewhat the potential strain of the instruments, also of
the transformer winding. At such low voltages as 220 there is
really no need to consider this, however; and it makes little
difference whether or not the neutral is grounded, or if it is
whether at one or more places. If the ground exists at more
than one place the possibility of inductive interference with
neighboring telephone and telegraph lines must be taken into
consideration; and there is always the likelihood that duplex
grounding will offer a low-resistance path to foreign or vaga-
bond currents from the street railway return and other sources,
which flowing in the neutral is always in parallel with the earth
return, as shown in the sketch.

Load B

R. H. W.

Neutral Ground on 3-phase, 4-wire Circuit

The chief reason for using the four-wire instead of the three-
wire circuit is very often on account of its ability to serve single
phase loads that are badly unbalanced with the greatest flexi-
bility, economy and best control of voltage. Three single-phase
regulators are used for this purpose, one in each phase, foi
regulating its own phase according to the load requirements.
With balanced loads practically no load-current flows in the
neutral and the fourth wire serves little purpose. With badly
unbalanced loads, however, the current flowing in the neutral
may be very heavy. To assist in. the voltage regulation in such
instances neutral compensators are often installed to compen-
sate for line drop in the fourth conductor. When this is done,
and the neutral is grounded at more than one place, the addi-
tional current — foreign current — may seriously interfere with the
voltage regulation.

Circumstances alter cases. In the present instance there may
be good reasons for grounding the neutral at both ends. If
so, it is an exceptional case. It is better to adhere to only one
ground, and let that be at the station, or at the transformers
as the case may be, where there is a good ground and where it
can be properly maintained.

* * * K. R.

Cl@i@d Q©m€bmct$m<§ Uta@ll

The theory of all grounded over-head protection against
lightning and other such disturbances is based on the fact
long ago discovered by Faraday that there are no electrical
forces inside of a closed conductor. Such a system is called
a "conducting shell," and its efficiency is immediately impaired
by openings in the shell. The relation of this to the grounded
wire is well explained by Steinmetz in the following extract
from one of his books :

"If a transmission system is placed in an enclosed
conducting shell, i. e., put underground, atmospheric
disturbances can not enter it. Since a transmission line cannot
be put underground the next best means of protecting a system
against lightning charges is to place the ground above the
transmission line. That is by putting a grounded wire or a
system of these above the transmission wires. The nearer these
approach a perfectly grounded enclosing shell the nearer per-
fect will be the protection against outside disturbances.

March, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

Grounding of Neutral on Same Ground

Arrester

Many people think there should be separate grounds. In a
substation, where everything is grounded to a common ground,
the separate grounding of the lightning arrester and the sec-
ondary circuit is not necessary. In genera! if the ground is a
good capacious ground with heavy wires there is no reason
for having separate leads to it.

Where the transformer and lightning arrester are on a pole
and grounded to a pipe or plate it may be better probably to
ground the secondary on another pole or some distance from
the primary ground, though where the grounds are well the
advantage gained in so doing is rather theoretical than practical.

S. E.

Battier]

lr<

Answering E. R. H.'s problem on divided circuits in the
December issue of Electrical Age, it is to be noted that the
solution of this problem is only possible by assuming that the
resistance between the three grounds shown is negligible, and
also the resistance of the wires connecting various resistances
is negligible.

A simplified diagram of these circuits can then be constructed
as shown in which the dotted lines at the bottom show the
equivalent circuit with one ground, or without any ground, so
far as the solution of the problem is concerned. This is really
a circuit of three meshes and the current in the meshes is in
direct proportion to the respective conductances and the solu-
tion depends on the law that the conductance of any number of
circuits in parallel, ^uch as a, b and c, is equal to the sum of
the conductances of the individual circuits.

I =.0.1 Amp.

Battery

|l|l|l|l|l|l|hr

- 120 Volts— -J

< -'WW-,

1*0.011

Battery

-H"l'l'l'l'l,

U I9S Volts ■--- - -**■

Simplified Diagram of Divided Circuits

To find the various currents ; consider first the resistance of
the triangle A B C as taken between A and B. There are two
500-ohm coils in series with each other and a 400-ohm coil in
parallel. Lettering the coils, as shown, a, b and c, then the
total resistance, Ri between these points is as follows :

ft.

1 "

400

7 =
2000

2000

; 7 :

: 285.7 «»hms.

+ c ' b 500 + 500
Similarly for resistance between B and C we have
R> 1 1

^2 =

500

1 450° 21, , U

= TT = TT= 321.4 ohms.

14
4500

a + b c 400 + 500

And for resistance between A and C. we have

1 1 1 4500

R3 = 1 1 1 1 14

4500

321.4 ohms.

1
b +c

1
500

a 500+400

To determine the separate currents in each of the three main
circuits, consider the triangle as one resistance unit, which, as
we have just shown, will be different for two of the circuits.

By Ohm's law, 1 = — , where 1 = current, E = volts.

R
R = resistance. Hence, for current circulating in right hand
mesh, A' to B', we have

R = 600 + 150 + 1500 + 285.7 + 2250 = 4785.7 ohms
E = 75 volts
hence

I = = .0158 amperes

4785.7
Similarly, for current in left-hand mesh, B' to C,
R = 2250 + 321.4 + 120 = 2691.4 ohms
E = 120 volts
hence

120

I .— 044 amperes

2691.4
and finally, for entire circuit A' C,
R = 600 + 150 + 1500 + 321.4 + 120 = 2691.4 ohms
E = 195
hence

195

I — = .0724 amperes

2691.4

By Kirchoff's law, in any network of circuits the sum of the
currents flowing towards a point must be equal *o the sum
of those flowing away therefrom. Considering each mesh of
the circuit in connection with the above calculated results and
diagram it will be seen that the L ranch B B' has current tend-
ing to flow both ways; .0158 ampere flowing downward and
.044 ampere flowing upward.

By the above law the net current will be the difference of
these two, or .044 — .0158 — .0282 amp. flowing upward as
indicated on diagram. On branch C C we have .072 amp. plus
the above current .028 amp. flowing out at B', hence the total
current in branch C is the sum of these two, or .1 amp. In
the same way the total current at A' is .072 amp., as indicated.
These are the values of the current as calculated in the three
main legs of the circuit.

The calculation of the current in the three branches of the
triangle, is based on the proportion of the conductivity of each
branch to the total conductivity of the circuit.

Numbering the three resistances of the triangle a, b and c
respectively, we find from the same consideration as given in
the third paragraph above that the current through the resist-
ances b and c will equal 5/14 of the total current, and the cur-
rent through resistance a will equal 9/14 of the total.

As above shown, the total current was .072 amp. so the cur-
rent, coming from A.', in resistances b and c equals 5/14 of .072,
or .026 amp., and current in resistance a equals 9/14 of .072,
or .046 amp. as indicated. on the diagram.

By the same method the proportion of the current in resist-
ances b and a coming from B' equals 5/14 of unbalanced current
in branch B' or 5/14 of .028, or .01 amp. ; and similarly, the
proportion of the current in resistance, coming from B', equals
9/14 of above quantity, or .0118.

It is also seen that the total current in resistance c is equal
to the sum of .026 + .028, or .0">4 amp., as shown on the dia-
gram.

Finally, for the total current in the left-hand leg at point C
we have the sum of the total current in coils a and c or .046 +
.054 equals .1 ampere. This also equals combined current in
A' C and B' C as shown above.

The arrows in the diagram indicate the direction of the cur-
rents and voltages throughout, and the whole problem is solv-
able, under the conditions assumed, as shown, by the use of
Ohm's and Kirchoff's laws. E. J. F.

ELECTRICAL AGE

March, 1916

Of two distributing systems, one 3-wire direct current with
grounded neutral, the other 3-wire alternating with grounded
neutral, does the one have any greater liability to trouble from
lighting than the other? T. L. H.

From what we know about it, it cannot be said that one of
these systems is any more liable to trouble than the other, if
all other things concerned are equal. As alternating current
motors and machines are, generally speaking, more rugged than
the same kinds of direct current devices, it is probable that there
would be less trouble with the apparatus connected to the alter-
nating current system than with the other.

* * *

A 5-hp., 4-pole, 60-cycle induction motor runs at about 1400
r.p.m. and will hardly start under load. What do you think is
the matter with it? M. S.

Ans.

You had better look for wrong connections in connecting
up the stator winding. The scheme published in the January
issue will help you in testing out these connections. The given
full-load slip is entirely too great.

$ 4» ♦$.

What is meant by a storage battery "floating" in the circuit
across which it is connected? R. P. L.

Ans,

A storage battery is said to float on the line when it is
connected across the mains at some distance from the power
station, so that a heavy load on the line within the range of
the battery influence causes sufficient drop in the line to allow
the battery to discharge. With a light load on the line, on the
contrary, the drop is small, and the impressed voltage at the
battery is high enough to send a charge into the battery. The
floating of batteries on the line is confined usually to electric
railway service, where there is a large variation in line voltage.
It boosts the electrical pressure when it falls, due to temporary
over loads.

* *■ *

Why is it impractical to charge storage batteries from a series
dynamo? S. L. A.

Ans. — The reason is that as the counter-electromotive force of
the storage battery begins to increase with the charging of the
battery, it opposes the electromotive force of the dynamo, which
reduces the current therefrom. This in turn weakens the field
and causes a further reduction of the current. This effect
keeps on until it may reach a point when the battery will
overpower the dynamo and discharge through it.

The only way this can be avoided is by constantly watching
the circuit and adjusting the field resistance of the dynamo as
the battery voltage builds up. This is not very practical, hence
series machines are not in favor for battery work.

* * *

Is there any way to prevent or stop the humming noise com-
ing from most alternating current apparatus, particularly from
transformers? K. M.

Ans. — This noise is found to some extent in nearly all alter-
nating devices containing coils with iron in them. It comes
from the rapid reversals of the magnetism in the iron with
each alternation. The only way to reduce it is to have the iron
not too highly magnetized and held as tightly clamped as pos-
sible. Noisy transformers have sometimes been made less
obnoxious by tightening of the clamping bolts of the frames that
contain the iron cores. Where such methods fail there is little
that can be done. The noise in many alternating current motors
comes from the way the air is disturbed by the speed of the
motor. Heavy, high-speed motors are apt to be more noisy .than
motor. Hence, high-speed motors are apt to be more noisy than
reduce the noise, and some makes of this class apparatus are
noticeably more noiseless than others.

* * *

Is it considered good practice to provide only one ammeter
for measuring current from a three-phase alternator ? W. K. T.

Ans. — That all depends on how nearly the load on the three-
phases are , balanced and what need there is for knowing the
currents. Therefore in some cases it would be all right to
furnish one ammeter, while in another case where it is im-
portant to know the value of the current in each phase, and the
loads are unbalanced, it would not be good practice.

* * . f

The tensile strength of copper wire of a certain degree of
hardness is given at 50,000 pounds per square inch. Will you
tell me if it is safe to assume that this has remained constant
through a long period of time? E. N. V.

Ans. — So far as is known, if a wire is not over-stressed over-
heated or chemically attacked in any way, the tensile strength as
well as the rest of its properties remains unchanged indefinitely.
If you are considering the possibilties of the change in strength
of a wire that has been used in an overhead conductor for a
long time you had better be sure that none of the above forces
has been at work.

* * *

Is there any distinction between "voltaic" current and "galvan-
ic" current? A. M.

Ans. — No. Both terms are aplied to electric currents coming
from primary batteries. Since Volta has been commemorated
by the volt, however, there has been a tendency among some
people to use the adjective "galvanic" for battery currents.
There is no reason for using either. Both are almost obsolete
in this connection.

.♦♦>$»*♦♦ 1

Please explain why shifting the brushes from the best com-
mulation position on a direct-current motor makes it run faster.

E. L. T.

Ans. — Shifting the brushes from the normal commutating
position changes the counter-electromotive force of the arma-
ture. If this counter-electromotive force is at a maximum in
one position of the brushes, any change of them from that po-
sition, either way, will decrease the counter-electromotive force,
by causing a certain number of armature coils on each side
of the normal plane to oppose each other. The motor tends to
speed up sufficiently to compensate for the loss in counter-
electromotive force.

* * *

Why are series-wound motors always used on electric cars,
cranes and similar machinery? Should they always be direct-
coupled or geared to their load? If so, why? S. L.
Ans.

Series motors are preferable wherever a strong pull or
torque at low speed is required. A shunt motor is essentially
a constant speed machine and its torque at other than the
proper speeds always diminishes.

The torque in a series motor is proportional to the square of
the current; in a shunt motor the torque is directly propor-
tional to the current. With a current strength of 10 amperes
in both instances, the series motor develops a torque ten times
as strong as the shunt motor. The fact that the torque in a
series motor is largest when the speed is slowest, makes it just
the kind of motor for crane or vehicle work. The greater the
load the slower the speed and the greater the torque or pull
to move the load. In a series motor when the load drops' to
zero, the armature will race — it will go faster and faster until
it disrupts. For this reason, series motors are connected
either directly, or by cog wheels, to the machines they are to
drive, so that they can never escape their load.

<?♦ «$► <i*

Will an alternating current wattmeter reverse if the direction
of the power in the circuit is reversed? 2. Will a power
factor of less than 50 per cent, reverse it? S. E.

Ans. — Yes. Most meters of power will reverse if the direc-
tion of the flow of power through them is reversed. 2. Low
power-factor has no influence on the direction of rotation of
meters.

March, 1916

MF iw Wmm

ELECTRICAL AGE

The gradual settling into the fixed lines of standard con-
struction, shape and finish that has been evolved through long
practice is the evident feature of the season's output of fans for
the year 1916.

The generous productions of the small, "popular priced" fan
is the sign of the manufacturer's realizing that there is still
room for a "Ford" in the fan trade and money for those who
can supply the demand.

The making of light models, the reduction of noise, a slight
increase in efficiency, make up about all that can be done to
improve the electric fan, aside from the matter of price reduc-
tion.

Very probably the fan of 1961 will be readily recognized as
the descendant of that of 1916. This is one of the increasing
number of electrical products which has about finished its course
of evolution and almost reached its permanent form.

♦ ♦ ■ ♦
Carleton Company
A small but highly developed line of fans, wound for alter-
nating or direct current, adjustable for either desk or bracket
use is that of the Carleton Company, Boston, Mass.

Carleton 8-inch Oscillator

Carleton 8-inch Bracket Fan

These are made in 8-inch size only. Their distinguishing

features are the fine balance of the motor, which runs very

noiselessly on both alternating and direct current at nearly the

same speed, their careful finish and blade efficiency.

4» * •§►

Century Electric Company

The well-known line of- fans made by the Century Electric
Company, St. Louis, Mo., has had but few changes made for
1916. The alternating current fans are, as before, operated by
a split-phase motor which has no moving wires in its con-

struction. They are made both oscillating and non-oscillating,
typical illustration of each being shown.

They have a five point switch and speed coil, drawn steel
bases and the usual liberal provision for lubrication. Adjust-
able oscillating devices working on ball bearings are among the
many refinements used.

Century 58-inch, 135-watt Ceiling Fan

The ceiling fans, usually made with 58-inch blades, running
at about 240 r.p.m., are turned out in a standard line of 25, 30,
40, 50 and 60 cycles at 125 volts with or without electrolier at-
tachment. Other voltages and frequencies to order.
♦ * *
Diehl Manufacturing Company

The Diehl line of fans for the year of 1916 consists of 8, 12
and 16-inch desk and bracket, oscillating and non-oscillating
fans, nine varieties of plain and ornamental types of ceiling
fans, and small ventilating and exhaust fans for alternating
and direct current. This line of fans embraces every distinctly
commercial type of fan standardized by popular demand and a
choice can readily be made from its variety to fit any special
need.

Diehl 8-inch
Die Cast Oscillating Fan

Diehl 16-inch
Die Cast Oscillating Fah

Century 12 and 16-inch Desk
and Wall Swivel Fan

Century 12 and 16-inch Desk
and Oscillating Fan

- Diehl adjustable desk and bracket fans of both mechanical
oscillating and stationery non-oscillating types embody a new
design which is in keeping with the general trend of modern
artistic furniture. The bodies are one piece die castings un-
broken by angles or protuberances flowing in stately curves to
the rounded base which is closely clasped by a soft rubber pad
giving a positive non-scratch seating to the fan. A detachable
dust proof fitting end covering gives access to the motor. A
convenient joint changes the angle of the fan body when bracket
mounting is desired. A wing screw which is turned by the
fingers governs this desirable feature. Three speed regulators
of approved design give a choice of three running speeds which
can be instantly shifted as desired.

Eight-inch oscillating fans are a very delightful furnishing
for the modern house or office. They are powerful, breezy, light
in weight and u=e an insignificant amount of electricity for their
operation.

ELECTRICAL AGE

March, 1916

The one piece die cast body and special care used in centering
the end cover give perfect alignment to the bearing sleeves
and even wear to the shaft.

There are nine different Diehl ceiling fans for direct current
and three for alternating current.

* * *
Eck Dynamo & Motor Company

The line of fans shown by the Eck Dynamo and Motor
Company, Belleville, N. J., represents the result of so many
years experience that few changes have been necessary from
last year models.

"Northwind" is large enough to have satisfactory breeze-
throwing power at medium speeds; it operates without the
objectionable noise and vibration which have .characterized some

Eck "Hurricane" Oscillating Fan

The "Hurricane" 12 and 16-inch direct current oscillating
fans shown are specially recommended for their durability, par-
ticularly in respect to their rugged oscillating mechanism, which
has stood the test of nine years in many cases.

Another direct current machine is the adjustable desk fan,
also turned out in the 12 and 16-inch sizes, and for voltage
ranging from TOO to 250.

Eck "Hurricane" 3-speed Desk or Bracket Fan

A low priced, reliable, 3-speed alternating current fan, ad-
justable for either wall or desk is shown and also an 8-inch fan
turned out for either direct or alternating.

All of these fans are noted for quiet operation.
♦ '•"♦'•■■♦
Emerson Electric Manufacturing Company

"Northwind" is the name of the newest 100-120-volt
alternating or direct current, 8-inch, 4-pound fan made by the
Emerson Electric Mfg. Company, St. Louis, Mo., but marketed
as a separate and distinct product from the Emerson line of
tan motors.

The motor has 3/16-inch ground shaft, bronze bearings,
wick-filled oil wells, 3/16-inch square carbon brushes, remov-
able cartridge type brush holders covered with insulating ma-
terial, and 22-segment molded commutator of high grade cop-
per. ^ m

Northwind fans have two speeds with switch in base. Speed
regulation is very unusual on small universal fans. The fan
is complete with plug and 6-foot cord.

Emerson "Northwind" Bracket and Desk Fans

smaller and less substantial fans of the universal type recently
marketed.

Other 1916 model Emerson fans are the 9-inch model shown
below and the line of 2 and 3-speed ceiling fans which are

Emerson 9-inch Desk Fan and 52-inch Ceiling Fan

made as shown, either for chain or rod suspension and with
or without electrolier.

All these fans are substantially the same well-tried Emerson

Emerson Chain Suspension Ceiling Fan

model as last year with tlie changes in details and finish called
for by the prevailing taste of the present year. Some minor
changes in manufacturing methods will render the fans of this
season even more satisfactory than their predecessors.
■{> 4» <$>

Fidelity Electric Company

The Fidelity Electric Co., Lancaster, Pa., has this season
placed on the market a new 110-volt standard line of 8 and 12-
inch fans for which special merit is claimed.

They are designed with a single bearing, thus doing away
with the older self- aligning double type, which unless fitted
more or less loosely were liable to bind the shaft

This single bearing is of ample size, rigidly fitted into the
bearing bracket, and is so placed that a balance is obtained
between the fan blades and the armature, thus equalizing the
strain and insuring minimum wear. The bearing is phosphor
bronze, and is lubricated by one wick oiler.

Makch, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

Another point of mprovement is in the support for the motor
head. This support is of the swivel-trunnion type, and instead
of being rigid as heretofore is made resilient. This acts as
a cushion which di sipates to a large degree any vibration and
this conduces to smooth running.

"Fidelity" 8 and 12-inch Single-Bearing Desk Fans

All of this line of fans are furnished with a so-called "uni-
versal winding" which at the rated voltage allows operation on
alternating current of any frequency from 60 cycles down, and
also on direct current of the same voltage.
►j. .♦* ►>

General Electric Company
For 1916, the General Electric Company, Schenectady, N. Y.,
has added to its long list of all kinds of fans, a full line of
9-inch apparatus, especially designed to meet the views of those
who consider the 8-inch fan too small for effective service.

"G.-E

Oscillating and Non-Oscillating 9-inch, 4-Blade Desk
and Bracket Fans

This line is made for all commercial alternating and direct
current voltages and frequencies and has the same noted quali-
ties of design and finish as the earlier types of the company's
output.

G.-E." Non-oscillating 6-Blade Residence Fans

The silent running feature of the six-blade fan is responsible
for a complete stock of these types, of which a pair of non-
oscillating 12-inch and 16-inch fans is shown.

In common with all series of desk and bracket "G.-E." fans,

they are designed for three speeds and with proper care have

an indefinite life.

«3^ <J* *J»

Hamilton-Beach Company
The "Cyclone" universal fan, equipped with special air-cooled
motor, wound for operation on either alternating or direct" cur-
rent at from 105 to 120 volts, is the principal contribution to
the season's line of fans by the Hamilton-Beach Manufacturing
Company, Racine, Wisconsin.

H-B "Cyclone" Desk Fan

This is one of the neatest, most substantial machines of its
price on the market and is deservedly popular. It has six speeds
and the usual accessories and guarantees, and is finished in
highly polished nickel plate.

+ * *

Hunter Fan and Motor Company

The Hunter Fan and Motor Company, of New York, has
a full line of electric fans for the 1916 fan season which will
be of the same high grade quality and appearance as that of
last season with the exception that this year they are bringing
out a new type of ceiling fan known as the adjustable blade
ceiling fan.

Hunter Fan & Motor Company's 12-inch Desk Fan

These fans are so arranged with a patented adjustable device
that the blades can be directed to blow full blast to the ceiling
or to the floor, or the blades can be adjusted to any inter-
mediate point to suit the requirements of the user.

It is believed that this new type of adjustable ceiling fan
will meet the requirements of cafe, dining rooms and all places
where it is objectionable to have a blast of air blowing direct
on the people.

ELECTRICAL AGE

March, 1916

By blowing the air to the ceiling it has been proven that
a complete movement of air is obtained without the objectionable
features of blowing the air toward the floor.

"Tuerk" Adjustable Blade Ceiling Fan

The adjustment of these fans can be made without the use
of a screwdriver or any other tool and can be made, if neces-
sary, while the fan is in motion.

The Company expects that this fan will be used extensively

in places where of late oscillating fans have been used on side

[vails in restaurants, dining rooms and picture theaters, and

is looking forward to large sales during the coming season.

♦ ♦ , '+

Lindstrom-Smith Company

The output of the Lindstrom-Smith Company, Chicago, is
widely advertised under the trade name of "White Cross."
These fans are made in the desk, bracket and table styles only
and are ci the non-oscillating type.

'White Cross" 8-inch, Non-uscillating Desk-Bracket Fan

5fi|

They are all provided with the "Universal" type of motor
which operate on either alternating or direct current, and are
single speed. They are made in the adjustable type, with the
exception of the table fan, which is shown here. This pleasing
fan diffuses the air evenly in all directions over a space
more than ten feet in diameter. With a bowlfull of flowers
whose fragrance is spread by the breeze, this fan combines
beauty and utility in a way that has caused it to be extensively
adopted in high-class hotels and cafes, as well as in private
residences.

»*» ♦♦« v

Manhattan Electric Supply Company
A well-known line of direct-current adjustable and oscillating
fans is the "Mesco," which is made by the Manhattan Electric
Supply Co., New York.

"Mesco" OsLuiaior
as a Bracket Fan

'Mnco adjustable
as a Desk Fan

These fans are made for the two standard direct-current
voltages and three speeds, 900, 1400 and 1800 r.p.m. They are
very flexible in their arrangements for controlling the air cur-
rents. They come in 16 and 18-inch sizes with the usual ac-
cessories.

A small size is the "Junior" 8-inch desk or wall fan, also 3
speed and wound for 110 or 220 volts.

* * *
Menominee Electric Manufacturing Company
In line with the tendency of this season, the Menominee
Electric Manufacturing Company, Menominee, Wis., has
brought out a popular priced, 8-inch four-bladed fan which is
guaranteed to give satisfactory service. It is built in the same
substantial manner as the company's higher priced fans. Equip-
ped with bronze bearings, and wick lubrication, it will run two
seasons without refilling grease cups. It is designed for alter-
nating current, 110 volts, one speed, and comes with the usual
plug and 8 feet of cord, as shown.

'White Cross" Table tan with flower or fruit bowl

Menominee S-inch Desk Fan

March, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

Other fans from the Company are the universal table fan,
which throws its air current horizontally in all directions, and
also the socket fans, both of which are shown. These fans

The twelve and sixteen-inch desk fans have six blades in both
types. The motor is the induction type in the alternating cur-
rent model and both fans have a three-speed switch, felt pad
on base and is equipped with ten feet of cord and «enarable
plug.

Menominee liuuzuntal Draft
Table Fan

Menominee Socket Fan

are all 3-speed, 8-inch machines that will run on either alter-
nating or direct current, and in common with the rest of this
company's well-known line are furnished with or without
oscillating mechanism and are guaranteed against electrical or
mechanical defects.

Robbins & Myers Company

For the 1916 season the Robbins & Myers Company, Spring-
field, O., have brought out a complete new line of desk and oscil-
lating fans in the drawn steel frame construction. In this line
two new sizes have been developed — the six-inch desk fan and
the nine-inch oscillator.

All sizes except the six-inch and nine-inch fans are furnished
regularly with six blades. The six-inch has four blades and
the nine-inch size has five blades. The advantages claimed for
six blades over four blades is a lower speed for a given vol-
ume of air, with less air hum.

The oscillating mechanism is the gear type, the same as prev-
iously used and all fans are equipped with 10 feet of cord and
a plug.

The six-inch desk fan has a universal alternating or direct
current motor and will operate on direct current of any voltage
from 100 to 120 volts and on alternating current of any fre-
quency from 25 to 60 cycles and any voltage from 100 to 120
volts. As it is small and light it can be carried by the traveler
in his hand bag, and as it will operate on the majority of
commercial circuits, he can use it in almost any hotel. A
switch in the base provides two speeds and the fan will give a
good breeze.

R. & M. 9-inch Oscillator Fan R. & M. 6-inch Breezer

The nine-inch oscillator fan has five blades and is
an excellent type for all household services. It is made for al-
ternating current and direct, the gear type oscillating mechanism
being the same as is used in the larger fans. The motor is the
series type and the speeds for direct current and alternating
current are the same. A three-speed switch is provided. In
addition to the 110 and 220-volt types, the direct current fans
can be furnished in low voltages for operation from storage
batteries.

R. & M. 12 and 16-inch Oscillator tan
The alternating current fan of the twelve and sixteen-inch
oscillator type has an induction type motor and no centrifugal
or automatic starting switch is required. It is regularly fur-
nished with six blades in both the twelve and sixteen-inch sizes.
The rear bearing does not depend upon the gear box for lubri-
cation but has a separate wick oiler the same as the front
bearing.

The 1916 ceiling fan is equipped with a motor of the self-
starting, shading pale type and has a three-speed switch, giving
speeds for 215, 175 and 120 r.p.m. on 60 cycles and 165, 145 and
125 r.p.m. on 50 cycles. The wattages are 175, 160 and 135 and
140, 127 and 115 watts on 60 and 50 cycles respectively. Th«

sweep is 54 inches.

♦ .♦♦ •$•

Sprague Electric Works
Direct-current fans have been made for twenty-four years
by the Sprague Electric Works of New York, whose 1916 line
has been improved by the addition of a full line of 9-inch fans
and also by many refinements of manufacture suggested by
long experience in the business.

Separate
Oscillating
Mechanism

Sprague-Lundell 12 and 16-inch Universal Joint Fans
A sample of the 12 and 16-inch universal joint direct current
fans, which are made both in the non-oscillating and oscillating
types are shown. A feature of the line is that by the use of
a simple, and low priced separate oscillating mechanism these
fans can be readily converted into oscillators.

Sprague-Lundell Ceiling Fans
The "Midget" 32-inch, direct current ceiling fan and the full-
sized, 56-inch, direct current fan with electrolier attachment are
typical of the very complete lines of well-tried apparatus turned
out by this company.

ELECTRICAL AGE

March, 1916

Western Electric Company

The new fans for 1916 of the Western Electric Company,
New York and Chicago, comprise the new "Western Electric
Six," which is designed to meet the demand for popular priced
apparatus.

The "Western Electric Six"

This 6-inch fan weighs only five pounds, and is not a toy —
it's a real fan that furnishes a steady, satisfactory, invigorating
breeze and furnishes it quietly, without any fuss or attention.
It has a universal motor that runs equally well on alternating
or direct current at current consumption that is almost
negligible. The frame and base are in one piece, finished a
dull black, and the fan is furnished with cord and plug.

Other new fans are the addition of an 8-inch oscillating and
a 9-inch oscillating and non-oscillating design. Also several
new styles of ceiling and column fans which are provided with

Western Electric" Adjustable Blade Ceiling Fan

adjustable blades. On these fans the position of the blades
can be adjusted at will, even when the fan is running, by means
of the screw at the bottom. By these devices the air can be
forced either upwards or downwards to any degree.

There are many advantages to this arrangement. As an ex-
ample, an installation of these fans in a large assembly hall
can be so arranged that the air now can be controlled so as
to get a maximum of efficiency by having the fans in the rear
of the hall draw the air upward, and those in front of the
hall blow it down, thus maintaining a constant circulation of
air.

The company has also brought out an oscillating fan arranged
for an indirect lighting attachment. The 5-speed deflector type
ceiling fan, designed for large halls, offices and theaters is now
provided with electrolier attachments, if desired.

Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company
The 1916 Westinghouse fans retain the features that have
made this line so popular in the past. A few of these are
efficiency, low maintenance cost, pleasing appearance and quiet-
ness. A great aid in securing the last named feature has been
the "Silent Six," made in 8-inch, 12-inch and 16-inch, serving

Westinghouse "Silent Six" Fan

for both alternating and direct currents. The introduction of
the extra blades enables these fans to move the necessary
quantity of air at a lower operating speed, which reduces the
noise.

W e s tin gh ous e Turn Alternating Current and Direct Current

Fans

Typical alternating current and direct current 12-inch oscillat-
ing fans are shown above illustrating the similarity of con-
struction of two types.

Accessibility of the speed regulator is an important factor in
taking care of these fans. Drawn-metal construction and high
class finish, together with graceful proportions in design are
the secret of their handsome appearance.

Dis-assemblcd Fan Showing Regulator

The double gyrating fans are turned out in both ceiling and
column designs. These fans are of the noiseless six-blade type
and revolving almost seven times a minute throwing the air as
far as 35 feet.

They are turned out for direct current as well as for 25, 40,
50 and 60 cycle alternating current, and with or without the
electrolier attachments. They are more carefully made than
ever and may be expected to give better service than ever.

IT"1'1 " Bl-f1!

Vilji

^mgflai®gs Piraettfl©® aaufl Ms€2a©<fls ©S (SdartaH gJtisrita&Sa €J©satai@ft©ffs ®sa<ffl USaa&tEfestiEiiw

In the forthcoming effort to stimulate the wiring of the thou-
sands of houses now without electric service, though situated
close to electric lines, it is hoped that due emphasis will be
placed on the fact that electricity in the house is really a
domestic servant.

Come and See

The "Silent Servant"

at Work

C LECTRICITY, the silent servant,
*-?. is on duty daily at our demonstra-
tion-rooms, Third and Sycamore
Streets.

Drop, in the next time you're down town,
have a cup of coffee with us — Electric Per-
colator coffee — and see demonstrated the
many useful and economical electric appli-
ances that hundreds of Milwaukee house-
wives have found to be a wonderful help in
housekeeping — home making.

The Electric Company

T. M. E. R. & L. Company

Public Service Bldg., and 429 Mitchell Street.

As now supplied and applied, it is a servant who is never
cross, "sassy," sick or late, who never strikes and seldom refuses
to work, and then only for a short time. It is a servant with
taose numerous advantages of impersonality that no flesh-and
blood servant ever attains — except, perhaps, those high-priced
immobile English butlers that figure so extensively in current
fiction.

The feature is well pointed out in the advertisement shown.
A reference to the sweeper and and washer would have made it
even stronger.

icsie £H©'oas5®D^

A nation-wide house wiring campaign which promises greatly
to stimulate business for all who participate, has been insti-
tuted by the united electrical interests for the month of March
15th to April 15th. It is to be known as "Wire Your Home"
Month.

It is wisely considered by those who instituted the movement
that a co-ordinated, far-reaching, shoulder-to-shoulder drive by
the industry as a whole, will accomplish more for all con-
cerned than a series of widely separated individual movements.
Such a campaign sweeping all parts of the country simultaneous-
ly is likely to interest many prospects where efforts of a purely
local nature would fail.

The central organization in charge of carrying out the gen-
eral plans is the Society for Electrical Development. It is a
fact worthy of note that this organization directed the 'Elec-
trical Prosperity Week" celebration of last fall which proved to
be one of the most successful trade campaigns in history. Much
of the detail incidental to the "Wire Your Home" movement will
be carried out by the members of the society's staff who are
all experts in their various lines.

GENERAL PUBLICITY

, A .bulletin- known as the "Electrifier" will be issued by the
Society for Electrical Development to stimulate the campaign.
It will be similar to the "Exciter," published during "Electrical
Prosperity Week." It will have a circulation of 25,000 chiefly
among the central stations, electrical dealers, jobbers, contractors
and other electrical interests of the country. This publication
will carry news of the movement, suggestions as to how to pjut
on local house wiring campaigns and will tell what the various
interests will do and where they can get material.

The .society will issue to its members a special service of
window display suggestions. It will also handle the general
publicity in the trade press and newspapers, including its elec-
trical page service to the newspapers.

Ten thousand copies of a special window display will be sent
out to central stations, jobbers and contractors by the manu-
facturers. It is a display with a strong appeal which cannot
fail to draw people into the store or display room. It has> a
center piece, a switch from which strips of tape or ribbon run
to a series of circular transparencies in colors which illustrate
the conveniences of a wired home.

The lamp manufacturers will furnish plenty of special news-
paper advertising. cuts, mats and, in short, everything that they
would supply in their regular individual spring campaign.

Twenty-five thousand copies of a 28-page booklet entitled
"Successful House Wiring Plans" are being distributed free by
the Society for Electrical Development. This publication con-
tains a large number of plans for securing house wiring busi-
ness that have been tried by the electrical interests in cities
throughout the country and found thoroughly successful.

The society has also distributed 25,000 special announcements
of the campaign.

Maxch, 1916

Useful Points on Getting the Best Results
By John A. Randolph

The electric sign comprises one of the most effective and
profitable means of advertising in use to-day. It is one of those
utilities which have come into existence within the last thirty
years to become indispensable in the spheres which they oc-
cupy. There are thousands of electric signs now in use and the
demand is growing.

The most successful advertising is that which attracts and
holds the attention. Nothing is more effective for this pur-
pose than bright light. The electrically lighted sign is the
one that gets an audience. Other signs may be observed, but
still fail to hold the attention. The electric, on the other hand
is generally sufficiently compelling to become forcefully fixed
on mind and memory.

thoroughly familiar with these details. The man that can
answer questions intelligently and point out convincingly to-
the prospect how he will profit by the use of an electric sign will
be far more successful than the man who talks only in generali-
ties.

LOCATION

The electric sign is primarily a commercial proposition
operating on a dollars and cents basis. It is in many cases
spectacular, but in no sense is it a luxury. In the installation
of a sign there are many points to be considered. A most im-
portant element in this connection is the location. A wide
selection is usually available where the sign is not to be placed
on the premises of the firm who is advertising. In the deter-

A Typical New York Example

In securing electric sign business the best results can be
obtained only by specially trained salesmen. In talking to a
prospect the salesman should be able to definitely recommend
the type of sign which would be most effective for the pro-
posed location, to state its approximate cost and the expense of
operation. The sign business requires a thorough application
of artistic design combined with engineering technique. Un-
less a sign harmonizes with its surroundings and is pleasing to
the eye, it will fail of its purpose. Again, its method of con-
struction is highly important. The salesman should be

of Sign Lighting in Quantity

mination of the location it should be considered as advertising
space and its value determined accordingly. The highest
priced location is not necessarily the most expensive, considered
as to sale results. The value of the location depends chiefly
upon the average number of people who will daily pass that way
and read the sign's message.

Many merchants have vacant roofs which would afford ex-
cellent sites for signs. In such cases, the 'merchants are losing
money through what is virtually an idle investment. Such a
roof comprises advertising space that is not heirg used. Tt i*

March, 1916

ECTRICAL AGE

comparable to paid advertising space in magazines which is not
utilized. This fact should be brought home to the merchant
by the salesman. He should be shown wherein an attractive
sign placed upon his roof will draw people to his store as ef-
fectively as a brightly lighted show window.

OPERATING COSTS DECREASING

Conditions have never been more opportune for electrical
adverlising. The trend in the cost of operation is manifestly
downward. Recent developments in the manufacture of in-
candescent lamps have reduced the cost of operation fully 75
per cent, below what it was a few years ago. Mazda lamps
of 5-watt rating are now taking the place of the carbon lamps

w®Wim&^&aKmm

§950

FUUy EWJPPED

3p H-P.
4jn. TIRES

C.TSILVER MOTOR CO.

f'lll

■

An Example of Efficient Sign Lighting

formerly used and producing illumination equally as satisfac-
tory. The average power rate for electric signs throughout the
country is 8 cents per kw. At this rate the operation of a
used and producing illumination equally as satisfactory. The
average power rate for electric signs throughout the country is
8 cents per kw. Ar this rate the operation of a hundred 5-watt
hundred 5-watt lamps for an hour cost but 4 cents.

CONSTRUCTION

A paramount element of electric signs is the construction.
The injunction "Safety First" should always be well considered
in the installation of a sign. A cheap sign may be the most
expensive in the end. A heavy storm may wreck such a sign
causing not only the loss of the sign itself but possible damage
to adjacent property or to individuals. A sturdy sign of good
quality is always to be recommended.

The design of the sign considered from an artistic stand-
point is another highly important consideration. The sign
should be well proportioned and brilliant, yet dignified. The
salesman should bear this point constantly in mind and recom-
mend only such signs as will raise the artistic standard of the
community. A tastefully designed sign is not necessarily more
costly than one which is displeasing to the eye. The adver-
tising value of a sign, on the other hand is always directly
proportional to its attractiveness.

The sign should not be so large as to be out of harmony with
the architectural symmetry of the building, nor should it be so
small as to look insignificant.

LAMP SPACING

The proper spacing of the lamps in the sign depends upoo<
the size of the sign, the construction of the letters and the lo-
cation. For signs mounted over the sidewalk and which are
intended to supply a certain amount of illumination to pede-
strains a spacing of 4 inches is to be recommended for flusb-
faced letters. Grooved letters, as a rule, require fewer lamps
for good reading effects, but they do not throw as much light
on the sidewalk. The choice between the two types of letters
is a technical question that is largely dependent upon local
conditions.

The spacing for roof signs with flush faced letters should be
about 6 inches. It should not exceed this distance inasmuch as
a wider spacing is likely to produce a spotted effect For
large letters measuring 15 or 20 feet high a double row of
lamps, one on each edge of the letter will produce the best re-
sults, although one row can be used if the lamps are of a
sufficiently high candlepower rating.

CHOICE BETWEEN MOVING AND STILL TYPES

In choosing between signs of the still, the talking, the flash-
ing, or motion types, it can be said that those signs which show
movement are to be preferred to those whose lighting; remains
stationary. Anything in the nature of motion or flashing effects
attracts the eye. With the attention arrested, the observer be-
comes interested in the sign and reads its message.

A SATISFIED CUSTOMER A VALUABLE ASSET

The sign salesman should be trained to point out these facts
inelligently and convincingly to his prospects. Tt should be
borne in mind that a satisfied customer is likely to become, in
effect, an ex-officio salesman for the company who sells the
signs whereas, a customer who is displeased is likely to do the
sign men an incalculable amount of injury through speaking
disparagingly of the sign men and their products to his friends
and neighbors. It is not sufficient to the electric sign industry,
merely to sell signs. They should be sold with a view to plac-
ing the right sign in the right place — to harmonizing the sign
with its surroundings in such a manner that every person who
sees it will carry away a pleasant and lasting impression.

ELECTRICAL AGE

March, 1916

Hints Passed on Past Experience That May Work Out Well

During the Next Season

By G. D. Crain, Jr.

A certain electrical dealer has between 200 and 300 fans in
stock, which will be used for rental purposes next summer,
as they have been heretofore. While this trade needs careful
watching, it opens up a field which in his opinion cannot be
reached by sales, and which is quite capable of producing
profits.

The fan renter is either a person who has no storage facili-
ties of any kind, and doesn't want to carry a fan through the
winter; a transient, or one whose finances will not stand the
strain of a purchase. The necessity of careful handling of
the credit feature is almost obvious from this statement of the
situation.

The dealer referred to handles the business on a strictly
cash-in-advance basis, charging $2.50 a month. At the ex-
pirations of the month, if the second payment is not forth-
coming, the fan is taken in. Even with these precautions
against loss, there is a good deal of trouble experienced
occasionally through removals from the city, damage to fans,
fans being tied up in bankruptcy proceedings, etc.; and
though the dealer gets his fan back, the time and trouble
taken to repossess amount to a good deal.

Fans which are rented late in the season are put out at the
rate of $3 per month, in view of the short term which is open.
No oscillating fans are rented, on the ground that they are
too liable to injury, for it is proverbial that the renter is
careless of the property which belongs to somebody else.

The same rent is charged on all fans, no matter what size,
inasmuch as it would hardly be practicable to complicate the
books by having a sliding scale of charges, depending on the
size of the fan. The dealer referred to said that he had had
to keep two people busy on this feature — one handling the
office and accounts and another looking after collections, re-
pairs, deliveries, etc.

"The only way to make money on this end of the business,"
he said, after describing the situation, "is to handle it on a
large scale. I have been in the renting field for several sea-
sons, and the cost of my fans is pretty well charged .off.
This year, consequently, I am in a good position to do well,
but it is only by having the volume that "this is possible."

Allowances On Used Fans

A used fan, like any other piece of merchandise, should.be
considered by the dealer who accepts it in part payment for
a new one as an article to be put in stock and resold, and
the charges which must be put on it should be deducted
from the market value, if the dealer is to come out at the
large end of the horn.

Suppose, for example, that a customer comes in with a
direct-current fan which, in good condition, would sell at
$8 over the counter. Should the dealer therefore allow the
customer $8 credit on a new alternating-current fan, assuming
that the local central station, whose service determines the
market for fans in that community, is furnishing only a.c.
current?

The first thing to consider is that if $8 credit is allowed,
and this is all that the fan can be sold for, the profit on the
sale of the new fan is tied up in the old. In other words, the
dealer is putting his profits into what, in the last analysis, is
undesirable goods — junk from a good many standpoints.

The fan must be taken and put in good condition. The
bearings must be examined, and worn ones replaced. Mis-
sing parts must be supplied — and on oscillating fans taken in
trade, there is nearly always something gone. Bent blades
must be straightened and the whole mechanism overhauled.
Say $2 worth of work is expended on the fan. That reduces
'ts value to the dealer to $6.

But it will cost something to sell it. The overhead ex-
penses of the concern are, say, 20 per cent. If the fan is to
be sold for $8, the cost of selling is $1.60, which further re-
duces the allowance that it is possible to make to $4.40. But
the dealer, if he is sensible, must make a profit on that
sale, as well as on the sale of a new fan. He cannot afford
to handle the old one, adding all of the expense of doing
business to it, for one profit. If 10 per cent, is a fair net
profit, take 80 cents more off the allowance price, which
brings it down to $3.60.

That means that if the dealer allows $3.50 for the fan, he
can fix it up for sale, handle it and make a reasonable profit
on it. Yet where is the man who has the nerve to put his
allowance on this basis, and is not misled by the prospect of
making the, sale of the new fan into giving most of his profit
on it away in the form of an excessive allowance?

Dealers in every city could profitably get together and es-
tablish a trade discount list, which should be applied on all
old fans which are handled.

And such a list would cut die price on direct-current fan&
further than indicated in the foregoing, because of the ob-
viously more limited market and greater selling expenses
which would have to be put into them.

Another feature wOrth developing is sales to hospitals and
other institutions. Electric fans almost belong in the cate-
gory of therapeutic apparatus, for the reason that they have
come to be regarded as almost indispensable in the sick-room
during the summer months. Proper solicitation of the lead-
ing hospitals, especially private institutions whose charges
are high enough to enable them to take care of extra ser-
vice of this kind, would doubtless develop, some important
business.

Getting After Repair Work

The time to start after fan repair work is early in. the sea-
son.

If you wait untiEthe user gets out his fan and tries to put
it in operation, you may get his business; but you run the
risk of having the repair job1 sent somewhere else, and also
of having a flood of; this work, all coming in at the same
time. The proper plan would be to compile a list right
now of people who ha>ve' bought fans heretofore, possibly-
adding a supplementary list oE those who it} may be taken
for granted are fan users; , and then, before the real hot
weather starts, circularize them on the repair proposition. A
return postcard, which would enable replies to be made eas-
ily, could be enclosed, and those who found that their fans
needed attention would probably make use of the card to
have the dealer call for them. Of course, this would not take
the place of newspaper and other general advertising, because
the concern wants repairs, on all fans, those sold by other
dealers as well as itself; but it would get direct results from
a good many customers who might overlook the point other-
wise.

Fans -for Window Display

A great many electric fans are used for winter displays,
and this is a field which, while hard to work, can be developed
by general educational effort. There are many sorts of dis-
plays which require motive power of some kind, and where
the materials in the window are light, the fan serves excel-
lently. For instance, a toy dealer displaying a new idea in
put-together toys, recently had a merry-go-round and a wind-
mill turning in life-like manner by means of a concealed fan.
A coal dealer, trying to attract the interest of those whose
bins needed filling, showed a red devil standing over a coal-
fire, the flames of which were represented by red tissue paper
strips, blown by a fan underneath. Hundreds of other dis-
plays are given life and interest by motion, and this motion
is furnished conveniently and cheaply by an electric fan.

: ' ' <';::uiiiii:",;

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77/£ Names of Manufacturers not appearing in this Section will be gladly supplied on Request.

J^a* ©©smpsMSS©:!? iPMautt

The outfit illustrated has recently been developed for garages,
factories, air drill service, etc.

This outfit is made as nearly fool-proof as possible, and when
once properly installed, can be left to take care of itself for
a long time.

The two stage compressor is belt-connected to a l/2 H. P.
single-phase or direct current motor. The tension is maintain-
ed on the belt by an automatic belt tightener. The cylinders
of the compressor are opposed and are provided with rings to
increase the heat radiating surface. The connection between the
two cylinders is also similarly equipped.

Electrically Controlled Air Compressor Set

The outfit is self-oiling and it is necessary to replenish the
oil about once in two months. Every working part runs in
oil and no oil cups are used. The bearings are bronze with
babbitt lining. All working parts are enclosed to keep out dust.
There are no stuffing boxes to cause leakage or require re-
packing. The body is cast in one piece to insure alignment of
the pistons. The valves are steel balls in bronze seats and
each pump is equipped with a safety valve to prevent accident
from too much pressure. The cylinders are 3^> inch by 3 inch
stroke and the pump has a capacity of 5,000 cu. inches per min-
ute. The shipping weight is 140 pounds and the floor space
required is 14 by 24 inches.

The outfit is supplied complete with 30 gallon seamless
tank, automatic controller, gauge, valves, compressor, Robbins
& Myers motor, direct or alternating current, oil trap, safety
valve, automatic belt tightener and belt with all necessary pip-
ing as shown, all mounted on a large metal sub-base.

Several novel features are claimed for the clean-cut, business-
like appearing, electric washing machine shown in the illustra-
tion.

Metal construction throughout makes it extremely strong and
rigid, light in weight, easy to clean, perfectly sanitary and in-
sures long life. The tank is made of heavy sheet metal, double
seamed and soldered, and is water tight and rust proof. There
is no wood to warp, shrink, rot or cause mildew. The cylinder
is made of extra heavy galvanized steel and the frame of steel
angles, rigidly braced and double riveted.

Such construction renders the machine able to stand up
under the hard usage that these devices often have to with-
stand.

Improved All-Metal Washing Machine

A standard Westinghouse small motor operates both the
washer and the wringer. It rests on a steel foundation and is
belted to the washer mechanism, giving more flexibility than
direct gear drive. All gears in the operating mechanism of the
washer, and between the washer and the wringer, run at low
speed in hard oil contained in grease proof cases. A gas burner
under the tank allows the water to be kept hot for a long time.

All operations are controlled by two small levers at the side
of the machine. A safety device on the wringer safeguards
the operator and the mechanism from injury. The capacity of
the cylinder is sufficient to care for the needs of the ordinary
family.

ELECTRICAL AGE

March, 1916

Sfew T^ipe j£ii€©i

A line of graphic voltmeters and ammeters, for which many
new features are claimed, has recently been placed on the market
by one of the well-known Western instrument manufacturers.

As shown in the illustration, the meter is extremely compact
in design and though designed for rugged service and good ac-
curacy, weighs but 9V2 lbs. Low energy consumption, about 25

Recording Meter
watts at no volts, eight-day charts and ink well and high-grade
feeding mechanism as well as very accessible parts are among
the claims made for these instruments. There are five sizes
of volt-meter ranges and from 0 to 5 amperes on ammeter sizes,
the latter being designed for use with instrument transformers
for greater ranges. In addition to the above advantage, they are
very reasonable in price.

4* 4* ♦

The comparatively new idea of flood lighting is creating a
strong demand for scientifically designed reflectors. To meet
this one firm has brought out a new type of silver mirrowed re-
flector for flood lighting. The silver reflecting surface is pro-
tected from injury by a special heat resisting backing, which ma-
terially lengthens its life.

Variable Focus Lighting Reflector
This reflecting unit is designed for use with metallic fila-
ment stereopticon lamps of 100 or 250 watt sizes and is not
corrugated.

With the 250-watt lamp at the focus, the main beam has a
divergence of 12 degrees and a maximum apparent candle
power of 67,750; with the lamp moved forward J4 inch in the
reflector, the divergence of the main beam is increased 20 de-,
grees and the maximum candle-power correspondingly reduced
to 28,400. The reflector is designed to utilize the maximum per-
centage of the light flux from the lamp in the main beam and
at the same time keep down the dimensions of the reflector
«'ithin practical limits.

F&eM amdi Arsai&t&re €2@il Tester

Unsuspected short circuits in field and armature coils are
among the most frequent causes 'A trouble with electric ap-
paratus. An improved instrument for finding defects of this
sort has lately been brought out.

Coil Tester

The general appearance of the device is shown in the upper
illustration. It finds a wide application in electric railways,
mines, power plants, industrial plants and repair shops. Much
time can be saved by its use.

A diagram of this instrument and the manner of using it on
a direct current armature in a bar-to-bar test is shown.

The two outside contacts are adjustable and should be spread
apart to the point where. a convenient deflection of the pointer
is secured. The two center contacts are stationary. It will test
any type or size of motor or generator armature. To make the
test it is simply necessary to press the two center contacts on
each of the adjoining bars of the commutator in consecutive
order. The two outside contacts are arranged to make con-
nections at the same time without any attention from the opera-
tor. If the armature should be in good condition there would be
the same reading from ea "h of the bars. In the case of a short

Method of Using Tester

March, 1916

E L E C T R I C A L AGE

circuit the reading would be less than normal, the amount of de-
flection depending upon its location and nature. If there should
be an open circuit the reading would be the same as when full
current is passed through tie meter, which reading is easily
ascertained. If by mischance there should be a wrong connec-
tion it could not escape deteci.on. Any ordinary armature can
be tested complete in less than two minutes.
♦ *> ***

A new type of electric heater for automobiles has been
brought out recently by a Western manufacturer. It is designed
along the lines of the well-known portable radiator made by the
same concern, which consists essentially of an open coil sub-
merged in a circulating, non-corroding, non-freezing, insulating
liquid. The unit is hermetically sealed ; therefore no evapora-
tion. The coil is contained in the bottom longitudinal passage
of the radiators, and by use of the liquid as a circulating medium
a steadiness and uniformity of heat is produced. The funda-
mental principle of circulation is carried out to perfection.

IFflasi

It is well-known that the life of the ordinary flash-light bat-
tery and lamp is very often greatly shortened by accidental short
circuits. To overcome this a well known New York manufac-
turer of electric novelties has placed on the market a newly-
patented fibre covered non-short-circuiting flashlight, which, they
state, cannot be short-circuited under any conditions, saving
both the battery and the flashlight. These non-short-circuiting

N on-Short-Circuiting Flashlight

flashlights are now being made in eight different sizes ranging
from the "baby" tubular, illustrated, which can easily be
slipped into the pocket, to big, powerful miner's lights for hard
usage. The advantage of a non-short-circuiting flashlight to
motorists, engineers, mechanics and everybody else whose work
brings them into contact with metal objects are apparent. There
will be a strong demand for this device.

Pliasat

Among the improved small lighting units lately perfected
is the 4-kilowatt direct-connected, direct-current engine generator
set of the built-in-type shown below. The armature takes the
place of the flywheel in the ordinary set. The engine is four
cylinder, four cycle and operates nominally between 1000 and
1100 r.p.m.

Warming the Automobile

This heater is built of cast iron in two sections, each 15
inches high and exposes three square feet of radiating surface.
Operating on an 80-volt battery it uses about 3.9 amperes to reach
a heat of about 190 cleg. F. It is provided with a plate for at-
taching it to the floor of the vehicle to insure its stability.
*$*■ •$* «$*

An electric door switch with. a frictionless revolving button
in the tip of the plunger has been put on the market by a well-
known New England firm.

Improved Electric Door Switch

When the door is closed, the striking plate slides across the
top of the plunger while pressing the plunger down. Before
this frictionless tip was designed, the sidewise thrust was a
very great strain on the mechanism, and decreased materially
the life of the switch.

This switch is designed with a compensating mechanism so
that a considerable shrinking or swelling of the woodwork will
not affect the working of the switch.

4-kw. Direct-Connected Generating Set

The unit is supplied in 60 or 110-volts as desired and is good
for 25 per cent, overload.

The sen itive throttling governors runs in oil and is entirely
enclosed, in fact the entire oiling system is automatic so that
the operator need only keep the base supplied with oil and the
machine will take care of itself, running as long as desired and
giving a perfectly steady non-flickering light equal to the best
turbine-operated plants. This 4-kw..set is supplied with a high-
tension magneto and float feed carburetor and the capacity is
sufficient to handle the picture arc and additional house lighting,
electric fans, etc.

This set is designed for any place in which a steady electric
light is needed, such as farm, small villages, motor-boats or
similar places, where current from central stations is not avail-
able.

ELECTRICAL AGE

March, 1916

The handsome fixtures, shown in the accompanying illustra-
tions, have just been brought out by the Herwig Art Shade
and Lamp Company, 2140 N. Halsted St., Chicago.

These fixtures are designed especially for use on the outside
of buildings, such as power plants, substations and public, or
semi-public buildings in general.

New Outdoor Metal
Art Fixtures

They are made of cast iron subjected to weatherproofing
treatment, and are 28 inches, and 10^4 inches, to top of hold-
ers, respectively. They are topped with an opalescent globe
arranged to enclose a gas-filled lamp and form a notable addi-
tion to the large line of outdoor art metal fixtures turned out
Lv this company.

For a long time there has been a demand for a mogul-base
socket from which it should be impossible for an unauthorized
person to remove the lamp, this demand has been met by the in-
troduction of the "Shurlok." This socket is fitted with the
double Shurlok device which holds the lamp base rigidly with-
out in any way distorting the base of the lamp, thus the lamp
remains straight. The ease with which the lamp may be locked,
or removed, by the proper person is the talking point in favor
of the installation of these sockets
wherever a highly efficient unit is de-
sired to be permanently located. It
is not so much the loss of the lamp
itself as it is the fact that the space
to be illuminated, will be left in dark-
ness should the lamp be removed or
stolen. Therefore, the value of this
device which is designed to prevent
"Shurlock" Socket the removal or theft of lamps.

(g@niMi&e$ I?@t ©gaiam! nmufi Current Metering
TranslI mmmws

To fill the demand which every central station has felt
for weather-proof metering transformers, a well-known man-
ufacturer has perfected a line of combination potential and
current single-phase metering transformers.

Figure i, shows one of these transformers as it appears
from an external view.

^TENTIAL TRANSFORMER CURRENT TRANSFORMER

Fig. 1 Fig. 2

Current and Potential Metering Transformers

The elements are entirely immersed. in oil which serves the
purpose of cooling and insulating the unit. The coils are
form wound with double cotton covered wire, each layer
properly spaced for the operating voltage with treated var-
nish cloth of their own make. The top turns of the coils
are reinforced with flexible mica pads wound in between
coil layers, to give additional insulation to protect against
line surges which may be caused by high tension switching
or lightning. The cores are made of silicon alloy steel of
double cruciform section which gives sixteen (16) oil cir-
culation ducts between coils and core.

Transformer
Fig. 3 — Plain View of
Fig. A — Detail of Bushing

Figures 2 and 3, show sectional and top views. Both ele-
ments are mounted within homogeneous light grey cast iron
cases, which have received two coats of flexible black enam-
el baked on.

The bell shaped part of the bushing extends from the
case and affords ample mechanical strength and sufficient
leakage surface to protect the leads from ground even dur-
ing the most severe weather conditions.

The terminals of the high voltage coils are carried through
the case in specially designed tripple petticoat two piece por-
celain bushings. Figure 4.

The protector part covers the leads inside the case and
removes all possibility of the leads being shoved back against
the case cover.

For single phase metering, one transformer is required
and for poly phase, two transformers connected on the high
voltage side in standard open Delta or V. The capacity of
the potential element on stock transformers is 50 watts and
30 watts on the current element. The secondary voltage is
no volts and the current 5 amps, at full load. This permits
the use of standard 5 ampere no volt watt hour meters with
multiplying constant.

March, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

The Columbia Metal Box Company, New York, has developed
a line of cabinets for the new Starrett panels.

Five different standard types of cabinets are manufactured
to take each of the 258 different Starett panels.

The illustration shows a Type SC cabinet. This is the best
Columbia panel board cabinet made. Four other types are
made; Type SA is designed to be used for exposed work
where wires go out of cabinet directly opposite terminals ;
Type SR is a cabinet without door and trim and is designed for
flush work where wood or other door and trim will be fur-
nished; Type SPS Exposed. Type SPF Flush is a cabinet with
a removable door and trim. The trim is plain without orna-
mentation. All cabinets have knockout holes for J/2-in. conduit
evenly spaced on all sides. The standard finish is a brilliant
baked black enamel. Special finishes can be had to order.

Jk Wry ^©iragjs Uaftfteiry

A new "dry" storage battery of about the same size and
shape as a standard dry cell, which has six times the life and
efficiency of the dry cell, according to its makers, has been
placed on the market by the Venus Llecric Lamp Company,
64 Second Ave., Detroit, Mich.

No liquid electrolyte is used
Long experiment has shown
that the greatest efficiency is to
be secured from 1 compact,
solid mass, packed close around
the plates. The electrolyte is
prepared after a secret formula,
and absolutely cannot spill or
the electrolyte, insuring almost
perpetual life. Plates are ;<
variation from the conventional
type and of peculiar endless
construction, wherein is found
one of the secrets of the ef-
leak from the battery. No ad-
ditional moisture is required.
A mineral condenser at the top
of the battery automatically re-
turns all evaporated moisture to
ficiency of the "Venus" battery.
The case is of turnplate steel, lined with acid-proof material,
insuring great rigidity and long life, making the battery prac-
tically indestructible.

The output is 36 ampere hours or 3 amperes at 12 hours
for ordinary discharge rate. With the cost of the ordinary
dry cell ranging from twenty-five to fifty cents in various parts
of the country, it is no difficult problem in mathematics to esti-
mate the saving to the user of the "Venus" battery, for which
a re-charging cost of but a few cents, it should pay for itself
many times over during its lifetime, not only in actual dollars
and cents but also in time and trouble saved.

Cooling Device for Dynamos.- — With the development of mod-
ern high-speed machines such as turbo-generators and the like,
the problem of cooling the sliding contacts such as slip-rings
or commutators is serious. In machinery of this kind the
cooling of the contacts is rendered difficult because the air is
prevented from having proper access to the parts to be cooled.
This is due to the centrifugal action caused by the high speed
of the dynamo.

Z*lc?y.

VS7-

Cross-Section Showing Arrangement of Cooling Device

According to an invention of V\ ilhelm Gscheidlen of Berlin-
Schmargendorf, Germany, the commutator or slip-rings are en-
closed in a casing concentric with the axis of the sliding contact
surface and the brushes extend through this casing into contact
with the surface. The casing confines the air which is thus
held against the contact surfaces and suitable nozzles or tubes
provide circulation through the casing. The construction is
clearly indicated in the cut wherein a is the dynamo member to
be cooled, for instance a slip-ring, as shown in the drawing,
mounted upon the axle of a dynamo and b the case surrounding
said slip-ring at some distance therefrom and concentrically in
such a manner that a circular, preferably cylindrical inter-
mediate space c will be provided into which the cooling air is
introduced by the nozzle e and from which it will be discharged
by a nozzle or similar device /. The cooling medium or air is
introduced in the direction of rotation of the slip-ring a, so
that the rotary motion itself will be utilized for imparting
proper motion to the cooling air.

d are brushes which are led in through the casing b and
contact with the slip-ring a.

The nozzle / is so constructed that it will be able to draw In
the air from the space c and discharge the same toward the out-
side.

If the rotary motion of the slip-ring or commutator is not
sufficient for importing the proper velocity thereto, the air
may either be introduced under pressure into the nozzle e or
sucked off by the nozzle /. Patent No. 1,170,444.

ELECTRICAL AGE

March, 1916

System for Supplying Electricity. — An interesting system
tor supplying electricity, having different characteristics for
different purposes, from a single generator is set forth in a
patent issued to Irving J. Reuter, of Anderson, Ind. This sys-
tem is especially applicable to the supply of ignition and lighting
on automobiles. In such ignition it is desirable that the voltage
supplied to the ignition apparatus increase with increasing speed,
because of the shorter intervals of closure of the timer contacts
and also to permit the voltage supplied to act against the self-
induction of the ignition coil. On the other hand the lights
require a substantially constant voltage and all these conditions
must be obtained from a variable drive. In the diagram of
Fig. 1, the generator has a commutator 11 and three brushes 12,
13 and 14. The load brushes 12 and 13 are located at the neu-
tral points while the brush 14 is displaced from the brush 12 in
the direction opposed to the direction of rotation. The field
magnet 10 is provided with a winding 15, one terminal of which
is connected to the brush 13 and the other to a brush 14.

The generator supplies current to a storage battery 16 and
lamps 17 controlled by switches 18. One terminal of the battery
is connected by conductor 20 to brush 12 while the other is
connected by conductor 21 to brush 13. Between the generator
and the battery is a switch 22 of a suitable automatic type which
opens when the generator is idle cr its voltage is less than that
of the battery. The lamps, in series with a field winding 24,
are in parallel witfa the battery arid therefor connected across
the brushes 12 and 13, so thr.t the field is strengthened when
the lamps are in use.

Diagram of Motor Vehicle Supply Scheme

The ignition system includes an induction coil 26 having a
primary 26a and secondary 26b connected to a spark plug 26c,
a circuit breaker 27 in the primary circuit, and a condenser 273
bridging the contacts of the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker
is operated by a cam 27b rotated by the generator through the
shaft 27c. The primary of the induction coil 26 is connected to
the generator brushes 12 and 14. One terminal of the primary
is connected to brush 12 by conductor 28 while the other
terminal is connected by conductor 29 with one contact of the
circuit breaker, the other contact being connected by conductor
30 to brush 14. There is included in the primary circuit a
battery 31 which is not in all cases essential. The field winding
15 is connected between the brushes 13 and 14 and, the ignition
circuit being connected between the brushes 12 and 14, the
voltage at the terminals of the load circuit remains practically
constant by reason of the characteristics of the storage battery,

but the voltage impressed by the generator on the ignition circuit
rises rapidly as the speed increases.

Voltage and current curves of the machine are shown in
Fig. 2, from which it will be seen that the voltage across the
brushes 12 and 13 remains constant for different speeds while
the voltage between the brushes 13 and 14 falls off with the
speed. As the voltage across the brushes 12 and 14 is the con-
stant voltage across the brushes 12 and 13 minus the decreasing
voltage between the brushes 13 and 14, it will be apparent that
the voltage applied to the ignition circuit increases with the
peed.

The phenomena just stated is due to the action of the "cross
(lux" and the characteristics of the storage battery. The distor-
tion of the field by the "cross flux" increases with the speed and
decreases the voltage between the brushes 13 and 14. The vol-
tage across the load brushes 12 and 13 is unaffected by the "cross
Mux" and is substantially constant, due chiefly to the storage bat-
tery in the load circuit and to the fact that the field created by
the current in coil 15 is weakened when the speed increases and
strengthened when the speed decreases. In consequence, the coil
15 having its terminals connected to the brushes 13 and 14
(across w1 ich the voltage decreases with the speed) operates as
an exciting and regulating- coil so as to cause the machine to
have a current output which does not vary materially with
change of speed. The generator therefore serves as a constant
current and voltage machine so far as the lighting circuit is
concerned while its voltage increases with the speed for sup-
plying the ignition circuit.

The regulation occurring when the lamps are turned off is
as previously described, but when the lamps are on the current
passing between the generator and the lamps passes through the
winding 24 thereby increasing the main flux and the output of
the machine. The increase of current, however, is controlled
and limited by the increase of "cross flux," with resulting re-
duction of current in the winding 15 as above referred to. Patent
Xo. 1,160,866.

* * ♦»♦

Scit mtaii© lf©te

Tests of the Thermophone in London

According to the Electrician, of London, it is understood that
the British postoffice is investigating the Thermophone, invent-
ed by M. de Lange, and has ordered a dozen telephones for
its research department, so that life tests may be made.

Among the points that at once arise in connection with this
instrument are the possibility of fusion of the wire, and the
question whether the instrument is fragile. In regard to the
first point, James Swinburne has reported that, after testing
some of the telephones for speaking, the current was then in-
creased to the fusing point. One telephone required an increase
of us Per cent., another 67 per cent., and a third 70 per ceat.
to cause fusion. As the resistance of the wire rises on heating,
this means a very large margin of power, and shows that on
circuits of small resistance the instruments largely protect
themselves, taking something in the neighborhood of four to
eight times the speaking electric power to cause fusion.

With regard to the question of fragility, W. Llewellyn Preece
has tested one of the telephones by dropping it down a flight
of stairs. After this treatment it was as serviceable as before,
so that it cannot in any way be considered as delicate. Mr.
Preece points out that, although the telephone is not yet suit-
able for long distance telephony, the instrument is a distinct im-
provement on the magnetic telephone where the distances are
short, as in houses, ships or aeroplanes, owing to the greater
clearness of the speech, excellent articulation and an ample
volume of sound.

M. de Lange has now produced small portable sets for the
use of deaf people, and recently gave a demonstration of the
uses of the Thermophone for such purposes before th Council
of the Otological Section of the Royal Society of Medicine.

l!jll|!

liiiinipviiiwiiiiiinuiii

I^J^Il® 1UT3K

^. lEewfidw 'oS $Ifo® ILafoBSti: JPtsalbMcaittii'i

1916 Robbins & Myers Fans are the subject of a well-
gotten catalog of the Robbins & Myers Co., Springfield, Ohio,
describing the 1916 fan output and emphasizing the new fea-
tures.

As a help to the fan dealer this firm has also issued a big,
handsome folder illustrating the booklets, folders, lantern
slides, electrotypes and other advertising aids that it has pre-
pared in order to stimulate sales.

* ♦ ♦

Electric Lighting, Ignition and Charging Outfits for auto-
mobiles and motorboats, or any other use for which they
may be needed, are described and illustrated in the 1916 bul-
letin on the subject just issued by the Carleton Company, of
Boston, Mass., who specialize on them.

Alternating Current Fans, as made by the Century Electric
Company of St. Louis, Mo., are described in a lavender, blue
and crimson cover catalog, beautifully printed and illus-
trated and lately issued as Bulletin No. 23.

♦ *** ***

Electric Specialties, the varied and reliable line of them
turned out by the Knapp Electric & Novelty Company, New
York, arc detailed in their Bulletin No. 25.
*■♦♦ ♦♦♦ *♦♦

"Copper History" is the subject of a little folder sent out
by the Rome Wire Company, Rome, N. Y., which gives the
average monthly price of copper from 1885 to 1915 inclusive.
Tt will be sent free of charge to any one interested.
>♦♦ ♦♦♦ ♦♦♦

Electric Heating Devices and Co-operative Selling are to
be promoted by the two new serials entitled "Hotpoint Co-
operation" and "Day Load Bulletin" that have lately been
started by the Hotpoint Electric Heating Company, On-
tario, Calif. They are being mailed to electric lighting com-
panies and dealers and are claimed not to be "house organs"
in any sense of the word, but to be devoted strictly to co-
operative selling service.

*** *♦* *J*

Megger Testing Sets, the well-known insulating apparatus
made by James G. Biddle, of Philadelphia, is told about in a
booklet entitled "A Stitch in Time," referring to the use of
the megger for periodic testing of electrical apparatus, to find
out insulation defects before they become critical.

■^ H$t ♦*♦

Trade Discounts on the line of standard and special electric
supplies made by Harvey Hubbell, Incorporated, Bridgeport,
Conn., have lately been reissued.

Direct Current Motors and Generators are described and
illustrated in Bulletin No. 217 issued by the B. F. Sturtevant
Co., Hyde Park, Boston, Mass.

<$► <j* *♦♦

Automatic Rural Lighting Plants manufactured by the
Strong Electric Company, Des Moines, Iowa, are the subject
of a twenty-four page catalog, telling of its line of automatic
uasolene power plants for country use, with storage battery
auxiliary.

♦ • ■*►

Electric Air Compressors made by the United States Air
Compressor Company arc described in its Catalog No. t6.

Metal Panel Cabinets of the type made by the Columbia
Metal Box Company, New York, which are turned out in a
number of different styles, are listed in a compact bulletin
just issued. By devising a novel though simple way of list-
ing over 300 different panels and the corresponding cabinets,
the orders can be made out quickly, accurately and without
any trouble or risk of confusion.

Direct Current Circuit-Breakers, made by the Roller-
Smith Company, New York, are advertised in a leaflet show-
ing the oscillogram of a stock 80-ampere, 600-volt breaker
that opened a circuit 3310 amperes without injury in .037 sec.
*♦* *£* ***

"Sherarduct" Steel Conduit, a widely used product of the
National Metal Molding Company, Pittsburgh, Pa., is well
described in a booklet just sent out. The high-class quali-
ties of the conduit and the way that these are obtained are
briefly told, and there are illustrations of some of the nu-
merous buildings in which it has been installed.

* ♦ *

"Monocoil" Toy Motors, made by the C. D. Wood Elec-
tric Company, New York, are illustrated and described in 3
leaflet sent out by it.

• ♦ > ♦
"Deltabeston" Wires and Insulating Materials, as now
turned out by the D. & W. Fuse Company, Providence, R. I.
are the subject of a catalog just issued.
*♦♦ ♦♦♦ *+♦

Small Motors of the Robbins & Myers Company, Spring-
field, O., and the method used for advertising them are de-
scribed in a recently issued folder.

Electric Ranges are the subject of a neatly gotten-up il-
lustrated catalog No. 10 sent out by the Estate Stove Com-
pany, Hamilton, O.

♦ .♦♦ ♦$►

Electric Equipment of various kinds are described by the
Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company in the fol-
lowing leaflets: No. 3832, on its No. 307-CV railway motor;
No. 3504-A, on the selection of type CI alternating-current
motors for intermittent service; No. 3513-A on machine-tool
controllers for direct-current motors; No. 3834, on its No.
306-CV railway motors; No. 3766-A, on its large slip-ring
type CW induction motors; No. 3836, on its No. 548-A rail-
way motors, and No. 3848, on its types B and R rheostatic
drum controllers.

♦$► <$♦ ♦♦♦

A Story Without Words. "Some Pictures and a Few
Words" is the title of a new booklet produced by the New
York Edison Company, which sets forth pictorially the ad-
vantages of the electric automobile over the horse drawn
vehicle. No end of material has been written on this sub-
ject and volumes of statistics prepared, but practically the
whole story is told simply and graphically in a score of pic-
tures in this little book which has not a line of copy except
the captions of the pictures. The keynote of the superiority
of the electric vehicle is comparative economy, economy in
operating cost, in care, in room occupied when not in use, in
space occupied at the loading platform or at the curb and its
dependability under adverse weather conditions.

ELECTRICAL AGE

March, 1916

Increase in Exports to Africa

The Bureau of Commerce reports that the United States is
now supplying 30% of South Africa's purchase of electrical
machinery as against 20% before the war, and 36% of the
mining machinery as against 20%.

X-Ray Improvement

In the medical and surgical field great advance lias been
made in the use, the so-called X-Ray, due to the great improve-
ment in localizing the rays by means of the Coolidge tube and
also by the use of the new Stanley ray which has great pene-
trating power without any burning effect.

Sewage Disposal

Sewage disposal by the Lindreth electrolytic process com-
prises screening, electrolytic treatment with the addition of
lime, sedimentation and filter pressing the resulting sludge. An
experimental 500,000 gallon ^experimental plant was installed
at New York in April, 1915. Tests show that 85 kilowatt hours
are required per million gallons treated electrolytically, 76
kilowatt hours additional being required for the mechanical
handling. The effluent is of such high degree of purity that it
may be safely discharged into water courses.

Dynamo Troubles

The suggestions below are offered as possible solutions as
the subject of dynamo troubles. Close daily observation
on the part of an attendant to the action of a commutator often
explains the "mystery" of commutator trouble. The following
items might be checked as likely remedies :

Examine mica closely after commutator is well heated to see
if it has high mica, if so, remove pitting by a cut and undercut
mica.

Be sure you have the proper grade brush ; since the war
manufacturers are having a great deal of trouble getting the
grade of brush they have been accustomed to use.

Look out for oil soaked commutator, loose brush yoke, and
any changed conditions of operation at the lamp.

Wet Batteries
For a proper solution do not use more sal ammoniac than
will dissolve readily, usually 6 ounces will be found sufficient.
It is unnecessary to fill the jars more than three-quarters full
of sal ammoniac solution. Keep the battery and parts in clean
condition. See that cover and connections art tight. Covering
the exposed parts with paraffine is good practice. Do not lo-
cate the battery in a warm place, as this will tend to cause
evaporation. However, keep it well covered to prevent freezing.
After some service the solution will become turbid or milky
in appearance. Then fresh sal ammoniac should be added to
make a mixture equal to that originally used.
^ *$* ^

Uninsulated Wire
The Supreme Court, Pennsylvania, has handed down an in-
teresting decision in a case brought against the West Penn.
Railway Company, holding that a company cannot be held
liable for an accident occurring through the maintenance of
an uninsulated wire at some distance from the ground, car-
rying a heavy current of electric energy. In the case at issue,
boys threw a piece of wire which they found on the road
over the transmission line of the company, resulting in the
injury of one of the boys who took hold of the thrown wire.
The Court states that there was no obligation on the part
of the company to anticipate such an occurrence.

Construction of Lines
In connection with the Maine state law providing that cor-
porations or individuals engaged in operating telephones shall
not construct lines "upon and along" highways and pub-

lic roads without permission from officials of the respective
locality, the Supreme Court of that State has rendered an
important decision in a case brought against the Lewiston
Street Railway. The Court holds that this statute also pro-
hibits the placing of telephone lines across highways by per-
sons not so authorized, as the word "across" must here be
considered as synonymous with the words, "upon" and
"along."

Disclosure of Contents of Telegram

In a case brought against the Western Union Telegraph
Company for disclosing the contents of a telegraph mes-
sage, the Supreme Court of Mississippi exonerates the com-
pany from any liability, stating that a person cannot hold a
telegraph company liable in damages for his or her humila-
tion and loss of social caste, or loss of business opportuni-
ties through its disclosure to strangers of the contents of a
message.

Contributory Negligence in Electrical Work

The Supreme Court of Maine has rendered an im-
portant decision in a case brought against the Bar
Harbor & Union River Company for damages for the death
of an employe occurring while engaged in the course of
his duties. The employe; an experienced electrician, was
killed while connecting an electric motor to the service lines
of the company, carrying 2300-volts along the main lines
and reduced to 550-volts for operation by a transformers; it
was shown that the employe did not protect the exposed
ends of the wires by temporary insulation, or by adopting
other safeguards, although he knew that the service lines
were connected to the power transmission system of the com-
pany, and was fully aware of the risk he ran. In holding
that the employe was guilty of contributory negligence,
barring any recovery ,of damages by his heirs, the Court
says:

"We must hold upon the evidence and upon all probabili-
ties, that the deceased knew that the connections outside had
been made, that the current was on and that he undertook
to do a dangerous work without adopting any safeguards.
He was an experienced electrician; experience and familiarity
not infrequently breed carelessness. Experienced men, con-
fident of themselves, take .chances; they are familiar with dan-
ger. They know how to avoid it; they expect to avoid it;
they do not always avoid it.

"We cannot but think and hold that this unfortunate acci-
dent was due to a fatal want of care on the part of the de-
ceased, while engaged in work the danger of which he knew
full well and had assumed."

Fire Due to Defective Insulator

In a case brought by the Milton Weaving Company, Mil-
ton, Pa., against the Northumberland County Gas & Electric
Company for damages from the destruction of its plant by
fire due to defective insulation, the Supreme Court of the
state has handed down an interesting decision, finding for
the defendant company. In its ruling, the Court brings out
the following important considerations: (1) That an electric
company is not bound to inspect appliances owned and main-
tained by its customers, nor is it liable for damages from
defects therein; (2) That in such an action as at issue, where
the primary question was whether the defectively insulated
wires were installed by the company, evidence as to the cus-
tom of electric companies in respect to insulating wires
should properly be excluded; and (3) That where the only
testimony presented that the defective wiring was done by the
company was given by a witness who refused to make posi-
tive statements, as in this case, and which testimony was
contradicted by positive evidence, a verdict should be ren-
dered for the defendant electric company.

liewn^w m tlm

^ (ScDii'idpIiott© l&«<g©ffdl ©2 EHnjpt&arfiaiati M©wg HMS&s&l &©■% Buasy I&esvftera

The United Electric Light Company are planning to extend
their plant in Springfield, Mass., and it is said that it will be
the largest steam-driven electrical plant in western New Eng-
land when finished. Steam will be generated by twelve boilers
of 700-hp., capable of 300 per cent, rating, equipped with
automatic stokers. A 20,000-kw. turbo-generator with jet
condenser will also be installed.

♦♦♦ *♦♦ ♦♦♦

It is reported that the City of Eugtehe, Ore., has purchased the
distribution system of the Oregon Electric Company at an ap-
proximate price of $150,000, and commercial and street lighting
will hereafter be conducted by the city.

The construction of a third pipe line, 6000 ft. long, is being
planned by the Ontario Power Company, to bring the amount
of power it can generate at Niagara Falls to about 180,000 hp.
Jt will be of concrete, 18 ft. in diameter. When completed,
which will be in about two years, the equipment of the Ontario
power house will include sixteen units ; the largest unit now in
operation there is rated at 14,000.

♦♦♦ ♦♦♦ ♦♦♦

Wm. B.Scaife & Sons Co., Pittsburgh, Pa., have contracted
with the Standard Oil Company, of Ohio, to install a 30,000-
gal. per hour system at No. 1 works, and a 15,000-gal. per hr.
system at No. 2 Works in Cleveland. They will also install
a 74,000-gal. per hr. system for Corrigan, McKenney & Com-
pany at the plant of the River Furnace Co., Cleveland, O.
*♦♦ »♦♦ ♦♦♦

Wakefield, Mass., is contemplating the sale of its municipal
lighting plant in order to reduce the expenditures for appropria-
tions.

*J* i$* *$*

The municipal plant at Bucklin, Kan., is to be shut down
and service will be furnished by the Midland Water, Light &
Ice Company, Dodge City, thirty miles away. The extension
will cost $20,000. The rate for service will be 25 per cent, less
than the municipal plant rates.

The Narragansett Electric Lighting Company has agreed to a
reduction of 10 per cent, in rates for residence lighting in Provi-
dence, R. I., reducing the kilowatt hour from 10 cents to 9 cents,
and will become effective July 1 1916 if ratfied by the city
council. Rates for lighting the city streets were also reduced,
resulting in an annual saving of $15,000.
♦♦♦ ♦$► ♦♦♦

According to a statement of S. Wilkinson before the British
Institution of Electrical Engineers, the necessary amount of
power required for heating a room with electric radiators was,
on the average, 1.5 watts to 2 watts per cubic foot of air space.

♦J* ♦*♦ ■>$►

A force of engineers will make a survey of the lower Niagara
River in order to promote a power development scheme similar
to that of the Lower River Power Company some years ago,
but which was never developed.

* * *

The Eastern Massachusetts Electric Co., Salem, Mass., has
applied to the State Gas & Electric Light Commissioners for
permission to issue $250,000 capital stock. It is planning a
large development of the Salem Electric Light Company at
Salem.

The Rochester Railway & Light Company, Rochester, N. Y.,
contemplates making a practical test of concentric wiring, and
will adopt its use should the test meet expectations.

♦ ♦> *>

The United Electric Light Company, Springfield, Mass., will
enlarge their plant, and install a 20,000-kw. turbo generator, 12
boilers of 700 hp. each, with automatic stokers, etc.

♦ ♦ *

A bill amending the electricians' licensing act of 1915, in
Massachusetts, to remove the five-year experience exemption
and require all applicants to take examination, and to make
mandatory upon officers of the law the prosecution of unau-
thorized workmen, was heard by the committee of the legisla-
ture, Feb. 17. The amendments offered have been agreed to by
the State examiners, the contractors and labor interests.
*$► *$f *♦♦

The Denver Gas & Electric Co. expects to have its new
switchboard and distributing system in operation this summer.
The present single-phase, 2,000-volt system will be changed to
a 4,000-volt, three-phase, four-wire grounded neutral system.
Estimated cost $160,000.

♦ ♦ ♦

The generating plant of the Alaska-Gastineau Mining Co., of
Juneau, Alaska, has been increased by 12,000-hp., through tun-
nelling a mountain and tapping the bottom of Annex Lake,
which give the company 18,000 hp. for use at the mines.
■•$* ■*$* *$•■

$20,000 in bonuses were distributed by the Hartford Electric
Light Company on New Year's Day among its employees on
the basis of 1.5 per cent, of a year's wages for each year of
continuous employment, several employees receiving the max-
imum bonus of $200.

♦♦♦ »♦♦ A

V V V

In the iron and steel regions of northern Ohio, the use of
electrical energy in steel mills has resulted in a large increase
cf business for the electrical light and power companies. In
many cases the power used for this purpose has more than
doubled in the last couple of years.

$? ■^ ■■$*

The Connecticut River Transmission Company, Bradley Build-
ing, Worcester, Mass., is contemplating the development of the
Connecticut River along the Fifteen Mile Falls in New Hamp-
shire. The estimated expenditure in the original plans is $6,000,-
000 and provides for the construction of three dams, the first
across the river at Monroe, 160 ft. high, at a cost of $2,000,000;
the second at Waterford, 100 ft. high and the third at the head
of the Fifteen Mile Falls, near North Littleton, 80 ft. high.
The company plans to supply electricity as far north as Groves-
ton, and in Littleton, Lisbon, St. Johnsbury and other towns.
*** *$* *$* ' *

The Baltimore Sheet & Tinplate Company, of Baltimore, Md.,
are planning the construction of a tin-plate plant with an annual
capacity of 100,000,000 lbs., to be driven by electric power.

*:<■ +> ♦

Receivers have been appointed for the Olympic Power Com-
pany, of Port Angeles, Washington. The power company owns
a plant on the Elwha river, seven miles west of Port Angeles,
which has been offered to the city of Seattle at a price of
$2,000,000.

ELECTRICAL AGE

March, 1916

Operations on the Holter Development, Wolf Creek, Mont,
which were suspended in 1910 by the Missouri River Power Co.,
will be resumed by the Montana Power Company at Helena, ac-
cording to an announcement of Mr. F. M. Kerr, general man-
ager. A 6,000-hp. generating plant will be constructed, also a
dam across the Missouri River, 1400 ft. at the highest elevation
and an average height of 130 ft. Seven main hydraulic units,
three exciter units and an auxiliary unit are also provided for
in the original plans. The dam, which will create a lake 25
miles long, together with the power plant, will cost from $3,000,-
000 to $3,500,000, will take from two to two and a half years to
build.

The increase in the number of electric vehicles manufactured
during five years was 22.9 per cent, according to the Govern-
r> ent census of 1914, which shows that the number manufac-
tured that year was 4715 against 3835 in 1909.
♦> ♦> ♦>

The Duquesne Lighting Company, of Pittsburgh, will reduce
its rate for energy to domestic and commercial consumers
from 1.1 cents per kilowatt-hour with 1 cent discount for prompt
payment to 10 cents per kilowatt-hour and 1 cent for prompt
payment. Decreasing expense for operation and transmission
lias made this possible. The reduction will go into effect April
1st.

»!♦ * *

According to reports of the Pennsylvania Bureau of Industrial
Statistics the labor cost of more than $30,000,000 worth of elec-
trical supplies manufactured in the State in 1912 was 38 per
cent, of the total value, which is the largest percentage of
tabor cost next to mining and the preparation of coal of all
industries in the State of Pennsylvania.

♦ »!♦ *

A mammoth power and irrigation project to water 73,000
acres of land near Pasco, Wash., is being considered by the
lccal Chamber of Commerce. The construction of a 40- ft. dam
on the Snake River at Five-Mile Rapids and the development
of 40,000 hp. available throughout the year is being contem-
plated. According to a statement of E. G. Hopson, of Portland,
Ore., consulting engineer of the U. S. Reclamation Service,
who has been engaged to make investigations and estimates of
cost, a plant by a new installation could produce additional
80,000 hp. as secondary power for ten months of the year, and
that surplus horsepower could be sold at $10.00 per hp. at the
plant at a profit sufficient to cover entirely the operation and
maintenance charges of the system.

*$•■ *$*• ■*$•■

The Niagara, Lockport & Ontario Power Co. is constructing
a new 8-mile power-transmission line to furnish the Union
Carbide Company at Niagara Falls with 20,000 additional horse-
power, in which copper cables will be used entirely.
A *** *

Tne average electric bill for residences in Detroit during
1915 was $18.90 against $19.50 in 1914, according to the state-
ment of Alex. Dow, president of the Edison Illuminating Co.,
of Detroit.

♦ ♦ ♦

Secretary of Navy Daniels has refused to publish the result
of the investigations of the recent explosion of Submarine E-2,
reported to have been caused by the ignition of hydrogen gas
generated by the nickel-iron storage battery. He stated, how-
ever, that the Court of Inquiry recommended that Submarine
E-2 be used as a laboratory for the continuation of expriments
with this new battery.

♦ * *

The Fall River Electric Light Company reports that due to
increase in cost of materials on account of the war, it did not
care to renew the contract for lighting the streets of Fall River
for less than a term of five years. Copper wire has advanced
100 er cent, over the cost of a year ago.

A committee of electro-chemists has been appointed to investi-
gate the power possibilities of Niagara Falls. It is reported
that the electro-chemical plants at the Falls have replaced the
chemical supply cut off from Germany and that Falls industries
should not be under-estimated in carrying out a preparedness
program.

* * *

Chairman McLeod, of the Boston Public Service Commission
lias suggested that the surplus energy . generated by a railway
company be used by factories after the workmen have been
delivered to the mills in the morning and closing before the
evening rush homeward, as it is stated that the cost of fur-
nishing street railway service to workmen at times of peak-
load on the system represents a larger expense to the trans-
portation company than for service furnished the rest of the
day.

A *fr *

The city council of Columbus, Ohio, has invited the Railway
Power & Light Co. to reduce its rate for domestic electric serv-
ice from 7 cents net to 5 cents net.

♦♦♦ ♦> 4*

The Riverton (Kansas) plant of the Empire District Electric
Company, of Joplin, Mo., expects to add a 10,000 horsepower
steam turbine unit together with necessary transformers, auxil-
iary machinery and buildings.

♦ ♦ *

The River Falls Power Company, of Madison, Wis., has in-
creased its capital stock from $75,000 to $100,000.
a a a

The city administration of South Bend, Ind., is considering
the proposition of establishing a municipal lighting plant.

A A A

V *r *♦*

A corporation under the title The World's Cheapest Power
Company has been chartered in the State of Delaware, with a
capital stock of $100,000. Purpose given, to maintain and oper-
ate water power plants for generating electricity.

JL Ji. ju

fjr V V

F. H. Chamberlain, general manager of the Alabama Power
Company, Birmingham, Ala., announces that the company has
arranged to install at Anniston, Ala., an electric steel furnace
tor the manufacture of high grade steel. The initial investment
in the plant will probablv be over $100,000.

The Cohoes Company, of Cohoes, N. Y., announces that they
expect to place in operation on or about May 1, 1916, the initial
installation of 30,000 H. P. of its proposed ultimate 50,000 H. P.
hydro-electric development at Cohoes Falls, on the Mohawk
river.

AAA

The Shaw Insulator Company, of Newark, N. J., have just
completed a new plant for the molding of composition into
insulating parts for all purposes. The plant is equipped with
the most modern machinery.

> A A A

The Electric Fountain Co., of New York, have recently opened
a Chicago Branch, at 531 Wabash Avenue, South, in charge of
H. H. Hoops, Jr.

A A A

It is reported that the Light and Development Company, a.
corporation capitalized at $1,500,000, is offering electric light at
a 5-cent net rate in St. Louis, Mo. The company operates three
plants in St. Louis, and 30 other plants in various sections of
the Mississippi Valley.

AAA

The City of Memphis, Tenn., is to take over the plant of the
Merchants Power Company, according to recent reports, and
operate it as a municipal plant. An offer by the power com-
pany to reduce the rates has been rejected by the city.

March, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

The mid-winter convention of the Illuminating Engineering
Society was held at the Engineering Societies Building, New
York, February 10th and nth. A feature was the election to
the first honorary membership of Mr. T. A. Edison.

The National Electrical Contractors' Association will hold
its sixteenth annual convention at New York from July 17th
to 22nd.

* * ♦
The annual convention of the Ohio Electric Light Asso-
ciation will be held at Cedar Point, July 18th to 21st. Wed-
nesday will be "Technical Day" and Thursday will be "Com-
mercial Day."

- ♦> * ♦>

At a meeting of the New York Electrical Society, held at
the Engineers Societies Building, New York City, on Febru-
ary 25, Mr. Elmer A. Sperry, president, delivered an address
on "The Principles and Operation of the Gyroscope."
*$►'*$► 4*

A meeting of the Radio Club of America was held at
Columbia University, New York City, on Feb. 18, at which
time Prof. J. Zenneck was made honorary member. A very
interesting paper on two methods of transmitting signals
was read by Prof. Zenneck.

<$► ■<$► <J>

' The seventh annual banquet of the Boston sections of the
American Institute of Electrical Engineers, the American So-
ciety of Mechanical Engineers and the Boston Society of
Civil Engineers was held at the Boston City Club on Feb. 8.
About 500 engineers were present.

The annual convention of the National Electrical Con-
tractors' Association will be held at the Hotel McAlpin, New
York City, July 18-22. Secretary, G. H. DufHeld, 41 Martin

Bldg., Utica, N. Y.

<$► ^ <$►

The Wisconsin Electrical Association will hold their an-
nual convention at Milwaukee, March 16 and 17, 1916, with
headquarters at Hotel Pfister.

The New York Section of the Electric Vehicle Company
of America was held on Feb. 23rd. Jos. H. Tracy, asst. chief
engineer of the Electric Storage Battery Co., presented a
paper on "High-Rate Discharging and Charging of Lead-
Acid Batteries."

+ + *

A reorganization of the Oregon Electrical Contractors and
Dealers took place at their recent meeting in Portland, Ore.,
when a new set of by-laws was adopted, under which central-
station mem jobbers and others not actually retailing or con-
tracting in the electrical line, but who manufacture or deal in
electrical equipment are eligible to associate membership in
the State organization.

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers will meet
at the Hotel Grunewald, New Orleans, La., from April 11
to April 14.

♦ ♦ ♦

The Chicago Section of the Illuminating Engineering So-
ciety, and the American Institute of Electrical Engineers
held a joint meeting at the rooms of the Western Society
of Engineers in the Monadnock Building on February 28th.

* ♦** ♦*♦

A new electrical society has been organized in Seattle
(Wash.) formed of men interested and engaged in electrical
development. There will be monthly meetings at which new
inventions and electrical appliances will be discussed.
4* *?♦ ♦

The American Electrochemical Society will hold its semi-
annual meeting in Washington, D. C, April 27-29. Secre-
tary, J. W. Richards, Leigh Univer., So. Bethlehem, Pa.

Mr. C. H. Abbott, of the Moloney Electric Company, of St.
Louis, Mo., has been appointed manager of the company's re-
cently opened New York office at 50 Church St.

Mr. Ralph B. Coleman, formerly with the Electric Machin-
ery Company, of Minneapolis, has become traveling represen-
tative of the Moloney Electric Company in the Chicago dis-
trict.

Mr. Channing R. Dooley, of the Westinghouse Electric &
Manufacturing Company, East Pittsburg, is now manager of
the Company's Educational Department.

Mr. B. T. Klein, for some years manager of the Chicago
office of the Bristol Company, Waterbury, Conn., has been
appointed manager of the company's newly established San
Francisco office.

Mr. F. G. Frost, for some time with the Lancaster Electric
Company, of Lancaster, Pa., has returned to Houston, Texas,
as superintendent of the Houston Power & Light Co.

Mr. Emerson McMillan, of New York, president of the
American Light & Traction Company, has endowed another
scholarship in the engineering department of the University
of Detroit.

Mr. George C. Knott, formerly manager of the Benjamin
Electric Manufacturing Company of Canada, Toronto, has be-
come associated with the Wirt Electric Specialty Company,
Philadelphia, Pa.

Dr. Louis Duncan, one of the pioneers in modern electrical
engineering, and one of the leading members of his profession,
died on February 13th at his home near New York City in his
fifty- fourth year.

He was a graduate of the Naval Academy and was asso-
ciated with Professor H. A. Roland at Johns Hopkins University
in the classic experiments that led to the determinarion of the
international ohm as the unit of resistance.

The first electrification of the elevated railroads in New York
and of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad tunnels in Baltimore
were done under his supervision. He was connected with the
faculties of Johns Hopkins University and the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, and was past president of the American
Institute of Electrical Engineers.

He was a clear and brilliant thinker and one of the best
engineers and lecturers on technical subjects that this country
has produced and will be long remembered by his many friends.

Professor Nathaniel Craighill, director of the Brooklyn Edi-
son Company's school, died suddenly February 7, following a
very brief illness. Professor Craighill was, in 1904, a member
of the staff of the old American Electrician.

J. Rae Wilson, district engineer of the Canadian Westing-
bouse Company, Ltd., Vancouver, B. C, was killed in the wreck
on the Great Northern Railway, January 22, caused by a snow-
slide near Corea, Wash.

Frederick Bueherer, a pioneer salesman in the electrical field,
died February 7, after a short illness. Mr. Bueherer had been
salesman for the Diehl Manufacturing Co., Elizabeth, N. J., for
more than twenty-two years.

ALABAMA

Hurtsboro. — The city will extend electric-light plant and
waterworks and have voted $9,000 bonds for this purpose.
Wheeler Williams, Mayor.

COLORADO
Boulder. — The Western Light & Power Co. anticipates im-
proving its plants at an approximate cost of $140,000.

DELAWARE

Dover. — It is reported that a new power plant to cost ap-
proximately $200,000 will be erected here by the Eastern
Pennsylvania Power Co. of New Jersey.

FLORIDA

Lake Worth.— The Lake Worth Light, Water & Ice Co.
will install internal-combustion engine, generator and exciter,
with switchboard; also may construct 21 miles of line work.

Melbourne. — An electric light plant and ice factory will be
installed here by the Peninsula Engineering & Electric Co. of
St. Petersburg. Prices are requested on a second-hand 50
hp. or 60 hp. oil engine and a ziYi kv-a. single-phase or
three-phase, 60-cycle, 2300-volt generator with exciter and
switchboard.

Plant City. — It is reported that the city will construct an
electric light plant at an approximate cost of $50,000. Ad-
dress Board of Public Works.

Punta Gorda. — City contemplates installing series street-
lighting systems. R. M. Morgan, Supt.

South Jacksonville. — The Board of Bond Trustees are con-
templating the installation of a 175-kw., 60-cycle, 2300-volt
generating unit (directly-connected). T. A. Murwin, Supt.

GEORGIA

Acworth. — -City voted $5,000 bonds to install new light and
water-plants and extend systems.

Adel. — It .is reported that the town will install a 3 hp.
motor-driven centrifugal pump, capacity 50 gal. per minute,
22-ft. suction and 35-ft. head. T. R. Sutton, Supt.

Blakely. — City expects to improve electric-light plant. E.
R. Adams, Supt.

Brunswick. — Among the improvements contemplated for
the City electric-light plant will be the installation of a mo-
tor-driven or steam turbine-driven centrifugal pump of 500
to 600 gal. capacity per minute under 150-ft head. E. R.
Adams, Supt.

Commerce. — The City has the establishment of an elec-
tric-light plant under advisement. Address Mayor Hood.

Ellayille. — City contemplates voting on $5,000 bonds for the
construction of an electric-light plant and water works. Ad-
dress the Mayor.

Columbus. — The Columbus River Power Co. expects to in-
stall within the next twelve months one bank of three 1333-
kw., 13,200-60,000-volt step-up transformers in Goat Rock
Station; one 750-kw. motor generator set and exciter for
same in Station No. 4 to furnish electricity for street rail-
way service; one 1,000 kv-a. synchronous condenser for pow-
er factor correction at Hogansville, Ga. J. S. Bleeker is
manager.

Fairburn. — The Fairburn Electric Railway Company intend
to invest $50,000 for the purpose of replacing their present
cars operated with gasoline with storage battery cars.

Millen. — City contemplates installing 50-kw. generating
unit, directly connected in electric-light plant. H. B. Davis,
Supt.

Statesboro. — The City electric-light plant will install a 250-

hp. boiler with stokers and other equipment, and possibly
additional lighting arresters. Dan. R. Gould, Supt.

ILLINOIS

Galesburg. — Improvements to the extent of $225,000 will be
made by the Galesburg Railway, Light & Power Co., and will
include extensions to the boiler plant, a new generating unit
in the electric department, etc.

Liberty. — The Liberty Electric Co., recently organized with
a capital of $2,500, will build a power plant.

Sibley. — Bonds will be issued for the installation of an elec-
tric light plant.

INDIANA

Indianapolis. — A. new power plant, estimated to cost $4,-
000,000 will be constructed by the Indianapolis Light & Heat
Co. on the site of its .present plant on Kentucky Ave.

Indianapolis. — The Indianapolis and Cincinnati Traction
Co. is contemplating the extension of its railway from Kush-
ville to Cincinnati, 62 miles. The city of Cincinnati will vote
on a proposal to issue $6,000,000 in bonds for the construc-
tion of a 15-mile terminal loop.

Loogootee. — The installation of a storage battery for
charging vehicles is being constructed by the Loogootee El.
Lt, Power & Wtr. Co. Jesse Rutledge is Secretary and
Manager.

IOWA

Algona. — The municipal electric light plant will install a
new engine and make other improvements, involving an ex-
penditure of approximately $18,000. J. W. Kelly, Supt.

Cambridge. — W. A. Curtis, owner of the local electric light
plant contemplates the purchasing of two 10 kw. 6600-220
volt transformers and four miles of No. 6 wire.

Des Moines. — It is reported that an ornamental street
lighting system will be installed on Polk Boulevard.

Orient. — $10,000 in bonds will be issued for the installation
of a municipal electric-light plant.

Oskaloosa. — The Oskaloosa Vitrified Brick Company has
the installation of a power plant under consideration.

Vinton. — The Iowa Railway & Lighting Company is con-
templating the extension of its transmission line from Vin-
ton to Shellsburg, Benton Co., and to Reinbeck, Grundy Co.

KANSAS

Holton. — A 23-mile transmission line is contemplated by
the municipal electric-light and water-works department. The
following material will be required: 50-kw., 2300/1 3,200- volt
step-up transformer, lightning arresters, recording watt-hour
meter, switchboard panel, oil switch, etc.; also pole-type sub-
station, 10 kw., 13,200. 110/200 volt step-down transformer,
disconnecting switches, etc.

LOUISIANA

Leesville. — It is reported that the Leesville Light & Water
Works will install a new generating unit, consisting of 120-
kw., 60-cycle, three-phase, 2300-volt generator and engine (di-
rectly connected) to furnish electricity for lighting purposes.
W. K Ferguson, Supt.

MAINE

Houlton. — The Houlton Mills & Light Company will in-
stall forty or fifty new meters. T. C. S. Berry, proprietor.

MARYLAND

Eckhart. — Cumberland & Westernport Electric Ry. Co., J.
E. Taylor, Supt., Frostburg, Md., will enlarge power plant.

Frederick. — The City has applied to the Public Service
Commission for permission to install an electric-light plant

March, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

for illuminating the city and furnishing electricity for resi-
dential lighting.

MASSACHUSETTS

Webster. — VV. Stone, 12 High St. is in the market for a
100-kw. dynamo motor. A second hand one will do.

MICHIGAN

Detroit. — It is reported that the Packard Motor Car Co.
will add improvements to its power plant here, including the
installation of new equipment.

MINNESOTA

Preston. — It is reported that an auxiliary plant will be con-
structed here by the Root River Power & Light Company to
cost about $25,000.

Rochester. — A hydroelectric power plant will be construct-
ed near Zumbro Falls, for which $360,000 bond issue has been
made. City clerk, A. T. Wright.

Winona. — The Wisconsin Railway, Light & Power Co.
will erect a new and modern steam reserve station here,
equipped with the latest machines. Estimated cost $200,000.
R. M. Howard, general manager.

MISSISSIPPI

Lucedale. — Lucedale Light & Power Co. will install equip-
ment and construct y2-m\. transmission system.

MISSOURI

Memphis. — The city is contemplating the issuance of $25,-
000 in bonds for the construction of municipal electric-light
plant.

Oregon. — The St. Joseph Transmission Company will con-
struct a 50-mile transmission system; develop 100 horsepow-
er.

St. Joseph. — Plans are being made for remodeling power
plants and factory of the Western Tablet Co., nth and
Mitchell Sts. F. B. Daggert, Engr., 614 N. 5th Street.

NEW MEXICO

Carlsbad. — The installation of new equipment in the local
electric light plant and water-works, involving an expendi-
ture of about $10,000 is contemplated by the Public Utilities
Co. A. J. Muzzy, Pres.

NEW YORK

Albany.— Electric elevators are to be installed in the State
House. Bids will be received by the trustees of public build-
ings, Executive Chamber, Capitol, Albany until March 9th,
drawings and details may be had at the epartment of Agri-
culture, Room 1224, Woolworth Bldg., New York or Dept.
of Agriculture, Capitol, Albany.

Buffalo. — It is reported that the International Railway will
increase the company's system 9,000 kilowatts at a cost of
$175,000. One item is the equipment of five substations with
additional machinery, including seven 1,000-kw. rotary con-
verters. Power will be carried from Niagara Falls to these
substations by 500,000-circular-mill cables.

Fulton. — It is announced that the Fulton Light, Heat &
Power Company has completed plans for a transmission line
from this city to Phoenix.

NORTH CAROLINA

Hickory. — Community Club, Startown Farm Life School
Dist. will install electric light plant, small generator and gas
engine.

Kernersville. — The installation of a local municipal elec-
tric-light plant is being considered.

Shelby. — An ornamental street lighting system, to cost
about $3,000, is being planned by the City Council.

Warsaw. — It is reported that the town is prepared to grant
a franchise for the installation and operation of an electric-
lighting system.

Yadkin Narrows. — The Aluminum Company of America
has decided to continue the development of its water power
on the Yadin River and expects to construct a power-house
on the east side of the river and to put in three 18000-kw.,
13,000-v. 36-cycle generators transmitting to Yadkin Narrows

for conversion to direct current. This will amount to an
eight-pot development for aluminum plant; one pot probably
ready in July and several in the fall.

OHIO

Columbus. — The municipal electric light plant and distribu-
tion system will be extended and improved with new equip-
ment, etc., for which bonds will be issued to the extent of
$265,000. Underground wiring in a large territory is also un-
der advisement.

OKLAHOMA

Ardmore. — The city is planning to establish a hydroelectric
plant on the Washita River, 14 miles from here, and the con-
struction of a transmission line to the city, at an estimated
cost of $375,000.

Langston. — Langston Colored College will rebuild burned
power station.

Oklahoma City. — Huckins Hotel will erect building to con-
tain power, heating, light, water, ice and laundry plants.

Texhoma. — The City Board will erect a larger building and
install larger and better generating equipment.

Wister. — The Board of Trustees has authorized the issu-
ance of $7,000 for the installation of an electric lighting sys-
tem.

OREGON

Eugene. — Ornamental lamps will be installed on Willa-
mette St. between nth and 13th Avenues and the City Coun-
cil has also under advisement the installation of ornamental
lamps on 7th Ave. between Olive and High and on 8th Ave.
East between Willimette and Pearl.

LaGrande. — It is reported The Morgan Lake Plant of the
Eastern Oregon Light and Power Co. at this place which was
recently destroyed by fire will be immediately rebuilt.-

Portland. — A lighting system is to be installed at Holliday
Park and a cluster lamp lighting system on First St., between
Morrison and Yamhill Sts.

PENNSYLVANIA

Christiana. — A new silk mill, to be operated entirely by
electricity, is to be erected here at an estimated cost of $50,-
000. For details address the Business Men's Association.

Hazleton. — The installation of an electric street lighting
system is being arranged for by the city council.

Washington. — Plans are being constructed for the installa-
tion of an electric power plant to furnish electricity to the
Casino, Bijour and Strand Theatres and possibly business
houses in the block bounded by Chestnut, Main and Pine
Sts., West, on a co-operative basis; the plant to be installed
in the basement of the Strand Theatre.

Wilson. — The installation of an electric-lighting system is
under advised by the commissioners.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Camden. — City will install 25 meters and 25 kw. in trans-
formers. E. D. McCutcheon, Supt, municipal water and light
plant.

Fort Mill. — The installation of a municipal electric-light
plant is being considered. E. C. Patterson, Mayor.

SOUTH DAKOTA

Alcester. — 10,000 has been voted for the securing of an elec-
tric light system.

Hurley. — An electric lighting plant will be established here,
$10,000 have recently been voted for that purpose.

TENNESSEE

Chattanooga. — The Davis Hosiery Mills will extend their
plant, including additional buildings and power plant to cost
about $150,000.

Memphis. — The Hoshall Machnery Co., Bank of Commerce
and Trust Bldg. are in the market for two 75-kw. D.C. 250-
volt generators connected to engines; two 100-kw. 125-volt
D. C. generators connected to engines.

Nashville. — Plans are being prepared by the Cumberland
Tel. & Teleg. Co. for the construction of a central exchange
and office building (to cost $200,000) to replace the building

ELECTRICAL AGE

March, 1916

damaged in a recent fire. A new switchboard and wiring
system will be included in the work.

Ridgeville. — The Standard Processing Co. will install ad-
ditional machinery (electrically driven) at a cost of $15,000.

Ruskin. — The Ruskin-Cave College will rebuild power
plant; steam power; may consider dam and electric power;
school and village plant; prices on 40 hp. engine; 25 kw.
generator, supplies, etc. Estimated cost about $25,000.

TEXAS

Archer City. — City contemplates the installation of an arti-
ficial light and power plant. Address the Mayor.

Bartlett. — The local substation of the Texas Power &
Light Co., Dallas, recently destroyed by fire, will be rebuilt.

Benjamin. — J. C. Copeland will instal electric-light plant.

Dublin. — A transmission line to Harbin is being considered
by the Central Texas Power & Transmission Co.

Floydada. — Efforts are being made by the Chamber of
Commerce to secure the construction of electric-light plant.

Gonzales. — J. F. Woods, Jr., care of Gonzales Electric
Light Co. will build electric light plant.

Hereford. — Plans for a municipal electric-light plant is un-
der consideration, initial installation to include two turbine-
engine-driven units (directly connected having a rating of
250 hp. each.

Hereford. — The Hereford Light & Power Co. will install
equipment, including 125 hp., return tubular boiler and 50 kw.
steam-drived generating unit.

VIRGINIA

Clarkesville. — Bonds will be issued for the establishment

of an electric light plant.

Quantico — 2000 acres on the Rappahannock River have
been purchased by the Quantico Co., who contemplate the
erection of a steel plant, including electric lighting system,
cottages, bank bldg., etc. Eldredge Jordan, Real Estate
Trust Bldg., Washington, D. C, is manager.

Radford. — Oren Dodds applied for franchise to construct
electric-light plant.

Stuart. — -The Clark Machinery Co. will establish a plant
at a cost $10,000 to $15,000; transmission about 1%. mi. de-
velop about 100 to 125 horsepower.

Winchester. — $6,000 have been appropriated by the City
for the installation of a "white way." Address the Mayor.

WASHINGTON

Albion. — Ornamental street lighing system will be installed
to cover the entire business section of the city.

Everett. — City contemplates the installation of an electric
plant.

WEST VIRGINIA

Wheeling. — Plans are beng prepared for a 2-story power
house 100x100 ft. for Block Bros. Tobacco Co., at an esti-
mated cost of $80,000. G. Frederick, Ch. Engr.

Williamson. — Williamson Light & Ice Co., O. B. Welch,
Gen. Mgr., will erect electric-light plant and ice and cold
storage plant. (See Ice and Cold-Storage Plants.)

WISCONSIN

Crivitz. — Residents of this community are plannng to se-
cure an electric light plant.

The Arkansas Valley Railway, Light and Power Company,
Pueblo, Colorado, has retired $50,000 first mortgage sinking
fund bonds of the Pueblo Traction and Lighting Company.
♦+«■ a a

The City Council, of Peoria, 111., has under construction the
establishment of a municipal electric Hght plant. The council's
committee reported that thh would mean a saving to the city
of about $32,000 a year.

+> * ♦>

The Columbus Railway, Power and Light Company, Colum-
bus, Ohio, has declared its quarterly dividend of 1^4 percent on
preferred, and 1% percent on common.
* * +

The Cleveland Southewestern and Columbus Railway Com-
pany, of Cleveland, Ohio, has made application to the Ohio
Public Utilities Commission to be permitted to purchase the
property of the Crawford County Gas and Electric Company,
at Crestline, Ohio.

Eck "HURRICANE" Fans

Direct and Alternating
Current

Eck Oscillating Fans were the
pioneers in this type and
have maintained their supe-
riority during many years of
operation. Prompt Service.

Stoc s carried in principal cities.
Send For data and 1916 prices.

ECK DYNAMO & MOTOR CO.
Belleville, N. J.

1213 Race St., Philadelphia, Pa. Century Bldg., Indianapolis, Ind.

11-17 S. Desplaines St., Chicago. 10th and Walnut Sts., St. Louie, Mo.

46 W. Broadway, N. Y. O.

The Standard Utilities Corporation has been chartered in the
State of Delaware; headquarters given as New York City.
Capital stock $2,000,000. To erect light plants, generate elec-
tricity, etc. Incorporators are Anselm P. Anderson and Joseph
F. Curtin, of New York.

A A A

V V V

The Michigan Railway Company, of Jackson, Mich., has an-
nounced that it has leased the following electric railway lines :
Grand Rapids, Holland and Chicago; Michigan United Rail-
ways; Michigan United Traction, and the Kalamazoo, Lake
Shore and Chicago lines. The leases, which aggregate 546
miles of trolleys, will become effective January 1.
a a ♦♦♦

V V V

It is rumored that the Reading Transit and Light Company,
of Reading, Pa., will expend about $300,000 during the year
1916 in enlarging and improving its power plant in West
Reading.

* '♦ *

A net increase of $175,622, over the sam.e period in 1914, is
shown in the earnings of the Georgia Railway and Power
Company and its affiliated companies for the eleven months
ending November 30.

♦♦♦ ♦♦♦ «$►

The Iowa Electric Company, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has filed
an amendment to its articles of incorporation increasing its
capital stock from $400,000 to $600,000.

♦ ' "■♦ +

Net earnings of the Kaministiquia Power Company, of On-
tario, Canada, showed an increase of over 11 per cent, over
1914, for the period ending October 31st.

A A A,

♦♦♦ V V
The Hooper, Kimble and William Power and Light Com-
pany, of Boston, Massachusetts, have purchased the power
plants of Sac City, Wall Lake, Lake View, Carroll and Lytton,
in the state of Iowa.

Technical Journal Company, Inc., New York

Vol. 48

APRIL, 1916

No. 4

Some Of What Has Been Done— What Should Be Done.
High Steel Prices Forcing Their Use.

By W. 1

In the electrical industry of to-day the pole plays
a very important part. Millions of dollars in capital
are invested in the poles set along our streets and high-
ways and additional millions are required in operating
expenses to replace those weakened by age, and to re-
pair damage caused by failure due to storms or too
severe loads. Therefore any type of structure which
can show a possible economy, either in first or in ulti-
mate cost, will receive favorable attention.

There are three kinds of poles in general use — wood,
metal and concrete. Of these wood poles are by far
the most numerous, but are at best short lived, while
those of concrete, although having a life which, if they
are properly designed, should be indifinite, are, as a
rule still rarities.

It is true that in some localities, in certain sections
of Canada, for example, they are found in large quan-
tities, but in comparison with the enormous number
of wood poles used annually, the few occurrences of
concrete poles are only a very small proportion.

The wood pole has been longest in the field, and in
spite of its low strength and short life, is a fairly satis-
factory structure. The concrete pole, it might be
argued is of very recent origin, and too much cannot
be expected of it yet. Nevertheless it has been sixty
years since the first concrete pole on this continent
was built, and the rapid development of reinforced
concrete along other lines during the past ten or fifteen
years should apparently lead to the expectation of rap-
idly increasing numbers of concrete poles. However,
when greater strength or permanency is required that
can be afforded by wood, steel is as yet more frequent-
ly used, in spite of its higher maintenance cost and
shorter probable life.

There . must, of course, be reasons why concrete
poles have not yet become as popular as might be ex-
pected. The most important are cost, difficulty in
handling owing to the weight, and a lack of certainty
as to whether commercially made poles will stand up
satisfactorily under long service. There is also the

erroneous idea that concrete poles are entirely lacking
in elasticity.

In general neither steel nor concrete poles can be
furnished and installed as cheaply as wood. In some
instances concrete poles have been built at figures
only slightly in excess of wood, but these cases are, as
a rule, exceptional. Such poles are very light, and
only of a strength approximating that of wood, and it
has been possible to construct them under favorable
conditions at a pole yard not very distant from the
point of erection.

For the average transmission lines conditions are
not always so favorable. Even if concrete poles with
the same strength as wood are used, the weight will
be greater, adding to the cost of handling and truck-
ing, and (of freight) is shipped by rail.

The largest installation of concrete poles on this
continent is in Toronto. Here up to 1912, 25,000 were
in use. As the poles are short and sheltered by trees
and buildings, and only a few wires are carried, the
loads are small, so that as standards, 24-ft. poles with
an ultimate strength equivalent to a 500-lb. pull at the
top and 30-ft. poles with an 800-lb. pull at the top were
adopted. The 24-ft. pole has a width at the top of five
inches and at the base of eight inches with one f^-in.
rod in each corner. The 30-ft. pole is 9 ins. at the base
with one ^4-in. rod in each corner. The cost at the
yard including 10 per cent, for engineering and super-
vision has been given at $5.00 for the 24-ft. poles and
$8.00 for the 30-ft. poles.

While these figures are exceptionally low and com-
pare very favorably with the cost of wooden poles, it
should be borne in mind that their strength is less.
However, experience thus far has shown that in gen-
eral these poles are sufficient for the service required
on this line so that any additional expenditure for
greater strength would not have been justified. In
cases where extra heavy loads have caused the pole
to show signs of failure guys or heavier poles have
been installed.

Tests of three poles designed for street lighting in

ELECTRICAL AGE

April, 1916

suburban districts in Rochester, New York, show the
following results. They were 30 ft. over all with a
top 6y2 in. sq. and a butt 9% in. sq. The reinforcement
consists of one Yg-'m. rod in each corner. The poles
were buried 5 ft. in the ground and the load applied 2
ft. from the top. With a pull of 500 lbs. the deflection
at the top varied from 7 to 13 ins. and with a pull of
1,000 lbs. the deflection was from 19 to 29 ins. Fail-
ure occurred at loads between 1,000 and 1,100 lbs.
while fine surface cracks began to appear at about 700
lbs. Some of the deflection was probably due to the
earth settling.

On high tension transmission lines, wood poles are
being replaced by steel because of the lack of dura-
bility and strength of wood and because with steel
the spans can be increased with a saving in the num-
ber of insulators, foundations, etc. Therefore if con-
crete poles are to be used for this class of work, they
should be stronger than those of wood. One pole
capable of withstanding the loads of a 250 ft. span will
be cheaper than two at 125 ft. spans. The most
economical span which can be used will. depend on the
size, number and spacing of wires to be carried, and
the location of the line. When the loads to be carried
become too great, the size and weight of the poles
cause transportation and erection to offer serious diffi-
culties. ,

Some Heavy Construction

For carrying transmission lines or heavy telephone
lines, poles must have greater strength than have those
already described. The loading of x/2 in. ice and 8 lbs.
per sq. ft. wind pressure means a horizontal load of
a little less than a pound per wire for each foot of span.
Therefore a pole carrying two circuits and a ground
wire should be of sufficient strength to carry, with a
factor of safety, a horizontal load at the centre of
gravity of the wires, of approximately 1,050 lbs. for
150-ft. spans and 2,100 lbs. for 300-ft. spans.

Fig. 1. — Building Hackensack Meadows Line. Poles weighing 5,000 to 6,000 lbs.

Fig. 2. — Pole No. 5 Under Test

• Heavy telephone lines will
require a strength greatly in
' excess of this. For example
the P. R. R. Telegraph Line
across the Hackensack Mead-
ows not far from New York
was designed by Mr. R. D.
Coombs to carry 6 ten pin arms
and 2 forty pair cables carried
on steel messengers. On the
basis of 100 ft. spans and a
loading of ^2-in ice and 8 lbs.
wind the resultant load at the
\ center of the wires is 5,100 lbs.
exclusive of wind on the pole.
On the basis of %-m. ice and 8
lbs. wind the load would be
3,000 lbs. As telephone and
telegraph wires are rarely
strung with enough sag to per-
mit their standing up under the
first of these loadings, it is cus-
tomary either to reduce the
loading or to reduce the factor
of safety required by permit-
ting high unit stresses.

The Meadows Pole line,
whose method of construction
is shown in the accompanying

April, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

illustration has been built some years and undoubtedly
represents the heaviest concrete pole line constructed
in this country.

In addition to the heavy load to be carried, the
ground was very bad, being for almost the entire dis-
tance a peaty swamp, so that expensive foundations
were necessary. The poles are 8 ins. square at the top
with an increase in thickness of 1 in. for each 5 ft.
of length. The lengths vary from 35 to 65 ft. and ow-
ing to the bad foundation they are imbedded in the
ground from 10 ft. for a 35 ft. for a 65 ft. pole. In ad-
dition a timber grillage consisting of railroad ties is
securely attached about 4 ft. below the ground.

The weight of these poles ranges from 5,300 lbs. for
a 35 ft. pole to 17,300 lbs. for a 65 ft. pole. Ordinarily,
handling these heavy sections would have been a dif-
ficult task, but in this case they were taken from the
cars and set by a derrick car with a specially built
90 ft. boom.

A test was made on a preliminary pole, 55 ft. long
and buried in the ground 13 ft. The reinforcement
consisted of one 1 in. sq. rod in each corner running
full length, three 1 in. rods in each face parallel to the
wires and two in each face perpendicular to the wires,
of varying lengths. The load was applied 2^4 ft. from

the top. The test showed the following deflections
at the point of application of the load.

Load in Pounds Deflection

1000 7 ft.

2000 15 ft.

3000 26 ft.

4000 40 ft.

4360 47 ft.

It should be understood that a large part of these
deflections was due to the shifting foundations. A
1/16 ft. crack appeared at 4360 lbs. and on continued
application of the load the concrete failed in compres-
sion. As a result of the test certain changes were
made in the design which greatly strengthened the
pole with little or no extra expense.

As these poles have stood up under storms which
brought down many others in the vicinity, the factor
of safety adopted has apparently been sufficient.

A Competitive Concrete Pole Test

In 1913, the New York Central Railroad conducted
some tests on concrete poles at Harmon, New York.
The specifications provided that the poles should be
designed for three cross-arms, each carrying two ca-
bles iy2 ins. in diameter, supported on y%-'m. messeng-

DIMENSIONS OF POLES

Width at top
Width at butt
Reinforcing

Total Area steel
Weight of Pole
Solid or Hollow

Pole No.

/ in.

15 in.
4 5-8 in. cor. reds.

1.56 sq. in.

4700 lbs.

Solid

Pole No. 2

7 in.

15 in.

4 3-4 in. cor. rods.

2.25 sq. in.

4700 lbs.

Solid

Pole No. 3 and No. 4

Pole No. 5 and No. 6

7 in.

17 in.
4 5-8 in. cor. rods.
12 3-4 in. side rods.

S3 sq. in.

5900 lbs.

Solid

8 in.

14 in.

4 1 in. cor. rods.

4 7-8 in. side rods.

2 1-2 in. side rods.

7.6 sq. in.

3900 lbs.

Hollow

RESULTS OF TESTS

Load in Lbs..

1000
2000
3000
3100
3300

Load in Lbs.

1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
7500

Pole No.

Deflection

2 in.
6 in.

12 in.
18 in.
26 in.

Remarks

Deflection

Several hair cracks

Cracks near ground opening up

Failure near ground

h.le No. 3

Remarks

1 in.

2 in.
4 in.
6 in.
8 in.

11 in.
14 in.
18 in.

Hair cracks near top
Hair cracks near ground

Cracks 1-4 in. open
Failure about 6 ft. below top.

Pole No. 5

Load in

Lbs.

Deflection

Remarks

1000

1 in.

2000

3 in.

3000

5 in.

Hair cracks about 10 ft. below

4000

8 in.

top

5000

10 in.

About 10 hair cracks evenlv

6000

14 in.

distributed

7000

17 in.

Width crack 1-32 in.

7200

21 in.

On increasing load pole deflected 36 in. before failure. Concrete
failed in compression at two points 10 feet apart.

Pole No. 2

Load in

Lbs.

Deflection

1000

2 in.

2000

6 in.

3000

11 in.

3500

15 in.

3600

20 in.

Remarks

Several hair cracks
Cracks 1-16 in. open
Cracks 1-4 in. open
Failure near ground

Pole

No. 4

Load in Lbs

Deflection

Remarks

1000

1 in.

2000

2 in.

Hair cracks 6 ft. from top

3000

3 in.

Several cracks near top

4000

5 in.

5000

7 in.

6000

9 in.

Cracks scattered along pole

7000

11 in.

7500

13 in.

Failure about 6 ft. below top

Pole No. 6

Load in

Lbs.

Deflection

Remarks

1000

1 in.

2000

4 in.

Hair cracks appeared

3000

6 in.

4000

10 in.

5000

12 in.

1 in.

Cracks closed up

5000

13 in.

6000

22 in.

Cracks evenly distributed

On increasing load pole deflected 44 in. before failure. Concrete
failed in c mpression about 6 ft. above ground.

Fiff- 3. — Results of Competitive Test — Load Applied 28 feet From Ground Line

ELECTRICAL AGE

April, 1916

ers, with a height of 22 feet from the lowest arm to the
ground. A wind 'loading was assumed of 15 lbs. per
sq. ft. on the poles and 10 lbs. per sq. ft. on the cables
and messengers covered with y2-'m. ice. On the basis
of 125 ft. spans this was equivalent to a horizontal

Fig. 4. — A Propped Test Under 6,000 lbs. Pull
load of 400 lbs. per cable or a resultant load of 2700 ibs.
applied 24 ft. above the foundation.

Three manufacturers submitted poles for tests, and
owing probably to different interpretations of the
specifications, these varied considerably in dimensions
and strength. One pole of each group was tested in
torsion, and two in direct bending. All were at least
six months old when tested. They were set in con-
crete foundations, with the load applied 24 ft. and the
scale from which the deflection was read 26 ft. above
the top of foundation.

The general characteristics of the poles and the re-
sults of the test are as follows :

Poles No. 5 and No. 6 were designed and built by
a well-known New York concern. They were hollow,
the walls being 4 ins. thick. The reinforcing consist-
ed of 1 in. corner rods, with two % rods in each face
parallel to the wires, and perpendicular to the load,
and two */2 in. rods in the other two faces. The rods
were twisted squares held in place by wrought iron
bands about 20 ins. apart, to which they were securely
wired. The concrete was a 1-2-4 mixture.

Poles 1 and 2 were not strong enough to meet the
requirements of the specification. The others carried
twice the design load with only hair cracks which
closed up on removing the load, and from 2% to 2^4
times the load before failure. All showed considerable
elasticity and numbers 5 and 6, which failed in com-
pression, were field up by the unbroken rods, so that

difficulty was encountered in pulling over the broken
shaft. The fact that Nos. 5 and 6, although of less and
less area of steel were of practically the same strength
as Nos. 3 and 4, was probably due to the concrete be-
ing denser and stronger.

It is apparent from the above and from many other
tests that concrete poles can be designed for any rea-
sonable strength requirement. If properly designed
and made they will present an attractive appearance
and will not deteriorate with age. In fact, if not under-
reinforced, they should increase somewhat in strength,
due to the increase in the compressive strength of con-
crete. This is a most valuable property as compared
with the rapid deterioration of wooden poles.

Concrete Pole Costs and Construction Economies
There is not the least doubt that the time is now
here when standardized, concrete poles can be built
and erected at a cost, that compared to that of steel,
of equal strength, will cause them to become very
greatly used

The cost will vary greatly with the strength re-
quired, 35 ft. poles for distribution circuits have bee«
built for from $8 to $12, but they have as a rule a
somewhat lower strength than a first class wood pole.
The cost of a 30 ft. pole similar to numbers 5 and 6
described above should be about as follows :

Steel, 580 lbs., at 2x/2 $14.50

Cement, 2 bbl. at $1.50 3.00

Sand, y2 yd., at $0.80 40

Stone, 24 yd-, at $1.20 90

Bands 1.00

Labor 6.00

Form 50

Engineering and superintend'ce 2.70

$29.00

Fig. 5. — Square Heavy Concrete Pole Lint

Ai'kiL, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

This is exclusive of arms, braces and steps, whose
cost will be the same for either wood or steel. The
cheapest means of taking care of the steps is to mould
hard wood blocks in the concrete, into which the step
can later be screwed. A better method is to use screw
anchors.

A latticed steel pole of equal strength and height
should cost, if purchased in quantities at normal prices,
about $35.

Hollow Concrete Poles

The advantage of hollow over solid poles is mainly
in weight. Poles of small diameter are generally solid,
since in order to effect any material economy, the
walls would have to be made so thin as to seriously re-
duce the strength. In larger poles there may be an
advantage in making them hollow.

Fig. 6.— A Model European Hollow Concrete Pole Line

For example the 65 ft. pole used on the Pennsylvania
Railroad, mentioned above, weight 17300 lbs. If this
had been made hollow with walls 4 ins. thick there
would have been a reduction of one yard of concrete
and 3900 lbs. weight. The saving in material would
have been partly offset by the cost of the core and the
increased difficulty in placing the concrete ; but the re-
duction in weight might be worth while in a reduced
cost of handling and freight rates, if shipped by rail.

The hollow pole also offers an opportunity, which is
sometimes made use of, for bringing wires down the
inside.

The walls of hollow poles should not be made too
thin. Some tests of this type have shown them to fail
at loads considerably below their theoretical strength
owing to the walls not being heavy enough to resist
the shearing stresses.

The poles which have been described represent what
may be termed the standard construction in this coun-
try. Other special designs are in use, chiefly abroad,
but they have not been adopted here. As a rule the
form work is more elaborate, more care is necessary
to ensure absence of voids in the concrete, and the
strength in proportion to the amount of material is not
so great.

While the writer does not believe that in all cases the
use of concrete poles is economical, there are many
conditions for which they are well fitted. Along city
or suburban streets, where the loads are not too great,
they can be used to advantage. While, the' first cost
will be somewhat greater than that of wood poles, the
cost at the end of say twenty-five years, after the ex-
pense of renewals to the wood line has been added,
should not prove very different. Also the more orna-
mental appearance of the concrete pole may be of con-
siderable importance.

For transmission lines outside of towns, the use
of concrete poles will probably be justified in only a
few instances. If long spans are used the poles be-
come long and heavy, making hauling and setting ex-
pensive. It is not possible where considerable strength
is required to widen the pole and reduce the amount
of metal as can be done with steel poles, because this
involves increased amounts of concrete and still great-
er weight. Also the pole has little strength at the top
to resist torsional stresses caused by a broken cable.

For telegraph and telephone lines concrete poles can
be used where maintenance and the low strength of
wood poles is a matter of serious importance. With the
present sizes of wire, it is not possible to lengthen the
spans materially, so that little economy can be effected
by having fewer poles per mile. The poles must be
strong enough to carry whatever loads can reasonably
be expected to occur. The failure of a certain number
of wood poles during severe storms is looked upon as a
necessary evil, but this cannot, be permitted to occur
with concrete, whose chief advantage is its perman-
ence.

In conclusion, too much emphasis cannot be placed
on the necessity for careful design and supervision of
the construction of concrete poles. The strength
adopted must be sufficient to carry safely the probable
loads. The details of design should only be handled by
a man thoroughly familiar with the principles of rein-
forced concrete and experienced in pole work. In
manufacturing, careful inspection is required to ensure
the production of a dense concrete with a high com-
pressive strength, and without voids which will reduce
the strength and mar the general appearance. Plaster-
ing the surface should not be necessary, although rub-
bing the faces with a concrete brick shortly after the
forms are removed will improve their looks.

If these precautions are adopted a concrete pole can
be made which will give entirely satisfactory service,
and which will have a most valuable property not
possessed by wood — permanence.

ELECTRICAL AGE

April, 1916

The effect of power factor upon the capacity and operating
of alternating-current machines and systems has long been
known, but it is only within quite recent date — the last few
years — that the manner in which low power factors actually
increase the initial investment in apparatus for a given energy
output has been recognized in a practical form. Since recogni-
tion has come effort is now being made to reduce the deleter-
ious influence of low power factors by either using apparatus
that results in higher power factors or by compensating in
some way, phase control, for them, until the low power factor
is neutralized or more or less prevented by other apparatus
effecting a high or a leading instead of a lagging power factor.
This article is not concerned with the correction of power
factor, nor yet, strictly speaking, with the various methods and
apparatus for obtaining high power factors collectively or indi-
vidually, but to explain how the use of synchronous motors in
place of induction motors for many fields of application may
be taken advantage of without affecting the starting character-
istics of the load served.

The synchronous motor is now being used quite extensively
in place of the induction motor. It is used to-day where three
or four years ago its use would not have been dreamed of
because of its high cost, the complications its use would im-
pose, and the much greater likelihood of operating troubles
developing even where skilled labor were available. The syn-
chronous motor has, however, passed through a time of develop-
ment in the last few years and may now be said to be as rugged
and almost as reliable and satisfactory in every way as the
induction motor, in consequence of which it is now coming into
increasing use where before motors of the induction type only
would have been considered.

Against the use of the synchronous motor as compared with
the induction motor has been brought forward its higher first
cost, while the theory has been advanced that greater skill is
required to operate it, trouble is more likely to develop due either
to the machine itself or to conditions over which it has no
control such as sudden changes in frequency, of voltage or 01
current, any one of which might result in the synchronous falling
out of step whereas the induction motor would merely grunt
and slow down until normal operating conditions returned when
it would come up to normal speed again provided the load it
was carrying was not far in excess of full-load rating. It is
true that the synchronous motor occupies more space than does
the induction motor of the same rating ; its first cost is higher
on account of an exciter and field rheostat being an integral
part of the synchronous motor installation ; and there is need of
a little more care in handling is also true, but with the use of
squirrel cage windings in the pole pieces, etc., the synchronous
motor is now reliable and comparatively stable. The result is
that the synchronous motor may be used to good advantage in
many places where the induction motor is now used, provided
there is attention close at hand, and frequent starting and stop-
ping are not needed.

Many power contracts for the supply of electrical energy con-
tain clauses that stipulate that the power factor shall not fall
below a certain specified value, and should this value be exceeded
a forfeiture clause imposes additional charges according to tne
extent that the power factor falls below the limit specified. On
the other hand, often the higher the power factor the more
advantageous are the rates for the consumer. In such cases it
is to the advantage of the consumer to not only keep his power
factors within the specified limit, but to keep them as high as
possible. Not only does it mean lower rates for electrical energy,
but it also means that his apparatus may be of smaller capacity,
and therefore of lower first cost, for a given output than would

otherwise be the case. (There is another way of looking at
the matter. A load is increasing and soon will it be necessary to
install additional copper and electrical machinery : instead use a
synchronous motor and maintain a higher power factor than
would be possible with induction motors and there will, no doubt,
be found to spare capacity in copper as well as in apparatus;.

It can be seen that the advantages are all in favor of the
high power factor, to both central station company as well as
to the consumer. Under these circumstances power factor con-
trol may be taken advantage of in its strictest sense in the large
plant but yet the labor and complications and the investment
they represent not be justified in the small plant. In this case
it is clearly a case where the power factor should be maintained
at some definite value or between some value such as 90 per
cent, and left there. This it is possible to do by use of the
synchronous motor without any specially skilled labor.

In using a synchronous motor in place of the induction motor
the aim of the customer is to raise his power factor, and there-
with obtain increased capacity of his apparatus while at the
same time obtaining more favorable rates. In doing this he
must not change the characteristice of his load, that is to say
the mechanical load served by the motor. In other words the
synchronous motor must be capable of doing what the induction
motor did, and in the same way, except that it takes current of
high power factor from the line instead of current of low power
factor. Thus while the power requirements remain the same
the method of applying them that have to be different.

The chief factor that must be considered in changing from
an induction motor drive to one employing a synchronous motor
is that of starting, and it is the various forms of starting, ac-
cording to the requirements of the various classes of machines
driven, that will be dealt with here.

Different kinds of service have different speed-torque charac-
teristics. The induction motor is available in two types, namely,
the squirrel cage type and the variable resistance type, the one
for comparatively light starting torque, the other for severe
starting torque. On the other hand the synchronous motor has
only one starting and speed-torque characteristic, although it
may be modified somewhat by design. As the synchronous
motor is to replace the induction motor means must be found,
therefore, for obtaining the requisite speed-torque characteristics.
This is done by using different methods of starting. In some
classes of work the synchronous motor has the necessary charac-
teristics, in which case the procedure is simple and straight-
forward, in others it has not, but may be made to have a
characteristic having very close semblance to that of the motor
it replaces by using the proper starting methods.

With any machine, whether direct-current or alternating-cur-
rent motor of the induction, synchronous or repulsion types one
requirement is the same, namely, that the motor be capable of
being started from rest and bringing the load up to speed with
the least possible disturbance to the line. In alternating current
motors it is not current alone that causes voltage fluctuations
but power factor also, hence the power factor should be main-
tained as high as possible, at the same time attempting to keep
the current down to as low a value as feasible. The torque ot
a synchronous motor has a definite value at the moment of
starting, which increases somewhat as the speed comes up to a
certain point, and then decreases as synchronism is approached
when the torque has a relatively low value. If the voltage be
increased the starting torque is increased likewise, and as the
square of the impressed voltage. But the kilovolt-amperes taken
by the motor also increase as the square of the voltage, hence
it is necessary to place a limit upon the permissible voltage
that may be applied to the motor because of the heavy starting

April, igiO

ELECTRICAL

AGE

current down to as low a value as possible the starting torque
suffers, of course, since it also varies as the square of the volt-
age impressed upon the motor.

Different classes of apparatus have different starting torque
characteristics. For example, the starting torque may be very
high due to execessive static resistance due to friction of bear-
ings but once the machine is turning over little additional torque
is required to bring the machine up to full speed. On the other
hand, the starting torque requirements may be low because the
friction of journals, etc., is small but as the speed increases the
torque that must be exerted may increase in value. This latter
requirement is a difficult one to meet satisfactorily by means of
the synchronous motor, and is the most severe condition that a
synchronous motor is called upon to meet. To overcome these
difficulties different methods of starting have been developed,
in this way modifying the speed-torque characteristics of the
synchronous motor. These starting methods may be divided
into two classes, namely, that where high starting torque is
required but decreasing torque as the speed increases, and that
where the starting torque is small as compared with that at
about synchronism.

To Supply

Trip Coils -
Terminal Board ■->

Fig. i. — Connections for Self -Contained Starter

In this figure, A is the running position, C the starting posi-
tion and B is an oil-immersed circuit breaker integral with
the compensator. Note trip coils in the running side of leads.

The usual method of starting a synchronous motor — the most
common example being that of the self-starting rotary converter
probably — consists of cutting the stator or primary winding of
the motor in on about one-third voltage with the field winding
open circuited. When the motor has reached constant speed
the field (which has its field rheostat set to correspond to
about normal no-load voltage on the motor) is closed. The
machine is then immediately thrown from the thirty per cent,
voltage tap to full line voltage. The motor is then ready for
service, and voltage and power factor adjustment. To care for
varying static friction values and other unknown factors the
compensators usually have taps brought out at about 30, 37.5 and
45 per cent, of full voltage. Only one of these should, of
course, be used, and the one chosen should be that enabling the
desired torque with the least current rush. Too low a voltage
should not be used otherwise difficulty may be experienced in
"pulling in" the motor when the field is excited. Trouble in
this respect will not occur so long as the motor reaches a speed
within about 5 per cent, of synchronism.

In those cases where a high pull in torque is required and yet
the starting current and torque do not necessitate a high voltage
starting tap two or even three taps may be brought out from
the compensator. The motor is started on the low voltage tap
and is then thrown from tap to tap until it is connected to full
line voltage. In this way the starting current is prevented from
being execessive while the necessary "pull in" torque is obtained.
On comparatively small capacity machines of voltages not higher
than about 2400 volts the use of two or more starting taps has

little effect on the cost of the compensator or starting installa-
tion. However, at higher voltages and for motors above about
500 kv-a. the compensator requires separate oil circuit breakers
with the compensator. The connections for a self contained
compensator and one using separate circuit breakers are given
in Figs. 1 and 2.

Compensator

Circuit Breaker

Synchronous
Motor

Fig. 2. — Starter With Separate Circuit Breaker

With this arrangement circuit breakers 1 and 2 are interlocked
so that 1 cannot be closed so long as 2 or 3 is closed. Breakers
2 and 3 are operated by the same lever. Note that over-
load trip coils are placed in the running and not in the starting
leads.

Instead of using a compensator or auto transformer for ob-
taining the voltage steps money may often be saved, and where
other conditions permit, by building the transformer that sup-
plies the motor with the necessary voltage taps in the secondary.
The taps usually chosen for this purpose are about 45, 50 and
66 2/3 per cent. Where the demand of current must be low
reactance coils are inserted in the starting circuit as shown
in Fig. 3. The method of starting is to all intents and purposes
the same as before and by placing the reactances as shown in
the sketch they require no further thought.

Transformer percentage of

100 % Winding Winding

A * A

To Synchronous
Motor

Fig- 3- — Starter With Reactance Coils

In reviewing these various methods of starting it is seen
that they are not really a very serious deterrent against the use
of the synchronous motor. It is in the interests of the central
station company to have high power factors, and it is not un-
reasonable, therefore, to expect that they will make it worth
the customers' while to maintain .high instead of low power
factors by giving the customer with high power factor a more
favorable energy rate than the customer with a low power fac-
tor. This is being done already to a limited extent, and it
will come into favor more and more as time goes on

ELECTRICAL AGE

April, 1916

limitm

Prime Movers

Very great advances have been made in prime movers dur-
ing the last few years and in most plants apparatus not of the
modern types, even if still in entirely serviceable condition,
can be discarded to advantage on account of the high effi-
ciency and low cost of the newer machines.

Steam
For steam units the high speed steam turbine is practically
universally used, the speeds usually running at least as high
as 1,500 to 1,800 r.p.m. even on large units. These turbines
should be operated on high pressure and with good vacuum,
using either jet or surface condensers, with water jet type air
pumps. Vaccua as high as 28^ ins. or even 29 ins. may be
obtained on full load with fairly cool condensing water, e.g.
70 deg. F. The steam pressur is usually at least 200 lbs.
with 100 deg. F. or more of superheat. Full load efficiencies
may run as good as one kw. for 13 lbs. of steam per hour
(including auxiliaries) under the most favorable conditions in
the largest units, although 15-17 lbs. of steam is more usual.
It is desirable to have one or two large units in each station
to carry the great bulk of the load, while the peaks, and,
if necessary, the light night load may be carried on smaller
units.

Steam turbines may be obtained of a capacity as high as
50,000 kv-a. and have been built for as high as 35,000 kv-a.
One of the turbine builders in the U. S. A. has built a 30,000
kv-a. turbogenerator in two parts, (the high pressure element
discharging into a low pressure element) provided with sep-
arate shafts and running at different speeds (1500 r.p.m. and
750 r. p. m.) Each part may thus be operated at the most
favorable speed. While some gain in economy is secured
and smaller masses are to be handled, there is a certain loss
of simplicity and larger floor space requirement over the
single turbine and more experience is required to determine
the future of such double turbines.

Boilers when supplied with proper draft and adequate stok-
ers may be operated at loads double the best practice of ten
years ago. and without any loss of economy. As much as 5
to 7l/2 lbs. of water per hour per square foot of tube sur-
face may be safely evaporated in a modern boiler and even
this may be nearly double for overload conditions, though
with some loss of economy.

The net result of the great advances recently made in the
art of generating electricity by steam may be seen from the
example of the Manhattan Elevated Railway's 74th St. Pow-
er House, built in 1901, and then containing 8-5,000 kw. gen-
erators driven by reciprocating engines. This was a model
station. These 8-5,000 kw. generators are now being replaced
by 8-30,000 kv-a. turbo-generators, operated from the original
boilers, which, however, are provided with new forced draft
mechanical stokers. The new equipment is all contained in
the original building, including the new condensers and
switch gear.

Hydraulic Turbines

Modern designs of hydraulic turbines may be obtained for
any head from a few feet to 3000 feet or more. The Pelton
wheel is used, as heretofore, for high heads, but the turbine
type wheels are built up to a few hundred feet. At the pres-
ent time efficiencies as high as 90% to 92^% are obtained at
full load, an improvement of at least 10% within a few years.
Some interesting examples of modern turbines may be men-
tioned to show the very great development of hydraulic
power.

Continued from March issue.

Fower Head in Capacity of Speed

fetation in feet unit in h. p. r.p.m.

Miss. River Power Co 32 10,000 57.7

Alabama Power Co 68 17,500 100.

St. Lawrence River 30 10,800 55.6

Lawrence Co 76 20,000 120.

Turner Falls Co : 54 9,700 97.3

Government station at Nore, Nor-
way 19,000

Pacific Gas & Elec. Co., Electra

Power House 1450 10,000 400

Great Western Power Co 430 18,000 400

Bombay Transmission 1727 11,000

Shawinigan Falls 145 18,500 225

Tallulah Falls, Ga. • 600 17,000 514

Nippashi River, Japan 350 10,000 375

Washington Water Power Co.

(largest ever built) 168 22,500 200

Considering the design of water turbines, more and more
attention has been given recently to the shaping of the ap-
proach passages and the discharge or draft tubes to avoid
eddy losses and utilize the full velocity head of the discharge
— concrete forebays and draft tubes are often used in large
units.

Managers of power plants are tending more and more to-
word the view that for the usual power services requiring
steady and reliable power, hydraulic turbines as prime movers
should be considered as auxiliaries or at best as a source
of large blocks of kilowatt-hours at very low cost, while
enough relay steam or other power must be available to fill
in the gaps of low water or other disturbances of supply.

Gas and Oil Engines

For many years the high full-load economy of gas and oil
engines caused repeated attempts to rely on such prime mov-
ers as power system relays and to use them for local and
private plants in place' of electric power from a general sup-
ply system. These efforts have however, had little success
and are not likely to succeed generally in the near future. As
relays, the gas or oil engines cannot be made in large enough
units to be desirable. A very few thousand horse power rep-
resents the limit in gas engines and perhaps 1000 h.p. per
cylinder the limit in the Diesel engine, which is at present
the most generally available form of oil engine. They are
further inherently large in size and clumsy and run at slow
speed. Their admitted higher efficiency is not sufficient to
overcome these other disadvantages for the purposes of larg-
er power plants. ,

For private plants gas and oil engines are sometimes used,
the former especially where natural gas is available. The
high heat value and low price of this fuel is sufficient in the
case of such plants to overcome the defects of large installa-
tion cost, small overload capacity, low efficiency on light
loads and bad regulation, inherent in the gas engine.

Where no natural gas is available it is possible to install
a gas producer and manufacture gas and considerable success
has attended many such installations. However, in cases
where electric power may be obtained at a reasonable rate
from a service plant, perhaps in the neighborhood of ic. a
kw.h., o rless, the simplicity of operation and small initial
investment cost of the service plant power will outweigh the
apparent gain in economy that can often be shown on paper
in the use of a gas producer outfit.

In case of Diesel engines the initial cost is very high and

April, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

the weight of the engine excessive, although the full-load
economy is high under favorahle conditions.

Governing

The problem of governing large power networks requires a
word of comment. It is impracticable and undesirable that
all the generating units in a large system should take part in
the regulating function and usually some one generator is se-
lected for this duty. The governors of all the other generat-
ing units are then made insensitive or are blocked so that
most of the variations of the total load are taken on the gov-
erning unit. Usually a steam unit is chosen for regulating
purposes, partly because the governor of a steam turbine is
naturally more sensitive and quicker acting and partly for
reasons of economy so that any momentary diminutions of
load will result in a saving of the relatively expensive coal.
It is usually found a favorable condition for the gates of
water turbines to be set to use a definite quantity of water
and thus deliver a fixed amount of power.

Induction Generators

It sometimes happens that a small water-power is available
supplementary to a general system, which power, would not,
however, warrant continuously maintaining an operating
force. In such cases an induction generator (that is, an in-
duction motor driven as a generator) may often be used to
advantage. The characteristic of this machine is that when
its field is excited by being connected to an electric circuit
it will deliver to the line in the form of current whatever pow-
er may be supplied to it. It need not be synchronized and
cannot fall out of step. If the voltage on the circuit drops,
as in the case of a short-circuit, the induction generator will
give greatly reduced power to the circuit which is favorable
for overcoming the short-circuit.

On account of this quality of dropping its output on a fall
of voltage and on account of the lagging magnetizing cur-
rent taken from the line, these induction generators have been
proposed for use in very large, extra high-voltage power
systems in which the control of short circuits is difficult and
in which there is an excess of line charging current. Up to
the present time there are very few, if any systems, in which
at full load there is an excess of charging energy, on account
of the large lagging component of the usual industrial load.
The characteristics tending most markedly to an excess of
charging energy are high line voltage and long transmission.

In the case of the Big Creek Line of the Pacific Light &
Power Company with its 150,000 volt, 250 mile transmis-
sion, the charging current of a single line is not sufficient to
neutralize the lagging component of the load, but with two
lines in operation and approximately the same load there
would be an excess of leading current.

Reference has been made above to the wide variation of oper-
ating level utilized in some reservoirs to increase storage ca-
pacity. This plan would naturally waste the difference in head
between the actual water level existing at any particular time
and the low level when a canal is used, since the water for the
canal must be taken from the low level.

It has been recently proposed, however, to save some of this
head wasted when the storage reservoir is nearly full, by operat-
ing an additional turbine by the difference in level between the
actual reservoir level and the canal level, through which
turbine the water would pass on its way from the res-
ervoir to the canal and using the power to drive an induction
generator connected to the main power circuits. The only gov-
ernor then required would be overspeed control on the water
wheel.

Transmission and Distribution

In any large power plant, the functions of transmission and
distribution merge into each other, for the principal consumers
will ordinarily be separated by many miles and furthermore,
there will ordinarily be several sources of power located at dif-

ferent points. The transmission and distribution systems then
resolve themselves into a network of high-tension lines to which
are connected power users and power generators at conven-
ient points.

These networks are ordinarily of slow growth, starting with
a single line and distribution plant. In the U. S. A., Canada and
Mexico, however, they have grown to great size and many are
supplemented by numerous local distributing networks of lesser
voltage. Tyical systems are :

(1) Montana Power Company serves largely railroad and
mining service.

Extent : 225 miles in east and west direction
250 miles in north and south direction
(the latter will soon be increased to 400 miles)

Voltages: 15,000; 50,000; 70,000 and 103,000 volts

Maximum Rating of Generators : 75,580 kw.

Maximum Rating of Substation 99,543 kw.

Maximum Load during 1914 61,000 kw.

Total Generated Energy 402,000,000 kw-hours

Total Delivered Energy 365,000,000 kw-hours

Annual Load Factor : 75%

Monthly Load Factor: 80%

Total Length High-Tension Lines : 1465 miles

(2) Southern Power Company. This company supplies most
of North Carolina and especially the cotton mill district. It also
supplies power to an electric railroad over 100 miles long.

Extent : 240 miles in a northeast and southwest direction
65 miles in a southeast and northwest direction

Rated Generator Capacity : 124,000 kw

Rated High Voltage Transformer Capacity: 169,000 kw.

103 Substations containing transformers having
a total rated capacity of 241,000.

High-Tension Voltages : 50,000 and 100,000

In the same part of the country as the Southern Power Com-
pany are six- other power companies operating at 100,000 volts
or thereabouts. These seven systems are all interconnected,
giving a very extensive network including a continuous 100,000-
volt line 1,000 miles long between Nashville, Tenn. and Hender-
son, N. C. The interconnection of these companies is for the
purpose of mutual co-operation to exchange peak or emergency
power. It is interesting to note the remarkably complete man-
ner in which the water power of this region are made available
throughout four States.

(3) Pacific Gas & Electric Company. Serves over one-half
of the people of California including San Francisco, Oakland,
Sacramento and all the central parts of the State.

Extent : nearly 38,000 square miles

Operates : in 30 out of 58 counties of the State and
supplies energy to 177 cities and towns. Serves
378,705 consumers.
Length : 100,444 volt line 109 miles
60,000 " " 1299 "
24,000 " " 91 "

17,000 " " 102 "
Total Transmission & Distribution Lines : 5090 miles
Rated Generator Capacty (hydraulic) : 121,000 hp.
(steam) : 109,000 hp.

Energy purchased from adjoining com-
panies in 1914 : 181,700,000 kw-hrs.
There are numerous other large networks. Examples are ;
Mexican Light, Heat & Power Company in the neighborhood of
Mexico City, the systems in and around Montreal, Canada ;
those around Los Angeles, California, and Salt Lake City, Utah,
all of which have interesting features.

As other interesting examples of the adaptability of electric
power transmission it may be worth while to call attention to
the large plant of the Lehigh Navigation Electric Company,
which generates power from the famous culm (fine refuse coal
at mines) piles of Eastern Pennsylvania and distributes it to
cement mills and other consumers. Also the Chile Exploration
Company, which generates electric energy from fuel oil on the

ELECTRICAL AGE

April, 1916

east coast of Chile and transmits it nearly a hundred miles to
the huge copper reduction plant of the company at Chuquicamata
at an elevation of nearly 10,000 ft.

The first consideration in these high-tension networks is
that of voltage. When the distances are large, high voltage is
necessary to produce an economical transmission or to secure a
good regulation. This makes it desirable in developing even a
relatively small plant to adopt a voltage high enough to suit the
possible future extension of the plant. On the other hand, too
high a line voltage requires very expensive apparatus for de-
livering power to local users.

Where the power is supplied largely at one end of a network
with power users at the other, the transmission losses are very
important, but there are systems in which there are power houses
pretty well located over the system with a somewhat similar
distribution to that of the power users. In such a system the
only transmission of power for any considerable distance is the
residue or balancing power, flowing to even up the load to the
various supply stations. In such a system the transmission losses
and the line voltage drop are of less importance, therefore, a
lower line voltage is appropriate.

But the relation of line voltage to operation is a particularly
important one in large systems, for the problem of cutting ofl
the power in case of a break or short-circuit becomes in gen-
eral more difficult with high voltage since the superior regu-

lating quality of the high voltage line causes a much larger
flow of energy at the break than would otherwise occur and
again a serious breakdown in the high voltage system will cause
a much greater, wider spread disturbance to other parts of the
system than would be the case with a lower line voltage. Some
of the above networks (e.g., Pacific Gas and Electric Company)
are built up in considerable measure of older plants operating
at 60,000 volts (a common standard voltage) and have this great
operating advantage, that a breakdown at one point produces
a relatively small disturbance at distant points on account of
the great drop produced by short circuit currents in the long
relatively low voltage lines. It is very doubtful, however,
whether it would be a wise plan to designedly use a relatively
low voltage for the purpose of localizing of disturbances. This
result may better be accomplished by artificially introduced cur-
rent limiting devices strategically located and controlled by
automatic apparatus. The practice in overhead lines has not yet
developed to such a point, however, except in isolated instances
(e.g., New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Company
which uses a reactance, short-circuited by a circuit breaker be-
tween the generators and line). This practice of using artificial
reactance inserted in the system is, however, common in power
stations where large generators are to be paralleled on the same
busbars and underground feeders are used.
{To be concluded)

Automatic Telephone Exchange to Norway

An American firm has just been awarded the largest Euro-
pean contract for telephone apparatus and material ever let
outside of Europe. It involves a 35,000-subscriber automatic
exchange for Christiana, Norway, costing about $1,250,000.

Electric Vehicles in Jamaica

Jamaica, with its fine roads and abundant water power, is
turning to electric autombiles. Gasoline sells there at
about 48 cents a gallon. If proper attention is paid to the
fact that the island is mountainous and grades are steep, and
that cars should be powered accordingly, a good export
business in electric vehicles can be built up.

Magnetism and Heat

At a lecture given in Paris not along ago, in order to show
the way iron loses its magnetism at a certain temperature
an aluminum tube with a sheet iron plate on the end was
hung pendulum-wise beside an iron magnet. In front of the
magnet was a bunsen burner with the flame arranged so that
when the magnet attached the iron plate on the pendulum and
pulled it over on one side, the plate was in the flame.

As soon as the iron was red-hot it would lose its magnetism
and swing out of the flame. On cooling down again it would
become magnetic and swing over into the flame only to be
demagnetized again. This action would keep up as long as
the flame was maintained.

Correct Wind and Sleet Conditions on Transmission Lines

The allowance for wind and sleet conditions on transmission
lines has been recently investigated by engineers who have oper-
ated lines in the severest climates. About the worst conditions
to be guarded against according to the latest indications are
Y% of an inch of sleet on a wire combined with a wind pressure
of 11 lbs. per square toot of effective area. This calls for a
factor of two.

Sealing Fuses

A system of sealing electric fuse plugs to prevent tamper-
ing with current by unauthorized persons, has been placed on
the market. The fuse is of porcelain with a slotted head and
a wire runs through the slots from one side to the other.
When the ends of the fuse wire are sealed with a bit of lead,
any effort to substitute another fuse will be readily detected
by the inspector.

Engineers for Preparedness

The following is a copy of a resolution unanimously adopted
by the 3,000 engineers representative of the National engineering
orgnizations, who have been attending the course of lectures
on military engineering in New York during the past three
months :

The engineers assembled in public meeting on March 20, 1916,
under the auspices of the Engineers Committee on Military Lec-
tures, believe that it is unworthy a great nation like the United
States and that it is dangerous to the peace, safety and liberty
of its people, to remain in our present position of inadequate
military, naval and industrial preparedness.

We believe that between pacifism and militarism there is a
just, safe and proper ground, greatly in advance of our present
position — a ground which involves large additions to both the
navy and army, a large increase in our schools for training of-
ficers and a co-ordination and mobilization of the physical and
industrial resources of the nation.

We believe that this nation should never make war except
to enforce peace; that when strongly supported by armed re-
sources its influence in maintaining its own liberties and rights,
and the liberties and rights of the weak and oppressed through-
out the Americas, will be greatly strengthened.

We believe that Congress should give due weight to the
opinion of experts and should then appropriate sufficient money
to put the nation in a position of defense against attack on
either the Atlantic or the Pacific Coast.

We demand that our representatives in Congress act in ac-
cordance with this expression.

April, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

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"Cold Light" Projectors

One of the so-called scientific writers for a Parisian daily
paper is out with an impressive announcement of the use of
"cold light" for projectors used for espying Zeppelins at night.
Evidently the war has not as yet exterminated all the genius
of France.

Marking Up Prices in Switzerland

Though not, as yet, a combatant in the European war, Switz-
erland, like all the other neutrals, has been powerfully affected
in every way.

The increasing cost of all raw material and the scarcity of
labor, due to the presence of so many men in the army, which is
kept on practically a war footing, has forced the Swiss electrical
manufacturers .to increase their prices on nearly all their output
in practically the same proportion as the recev c rise in Germany.

Germany Abandons Plan for Electrical Monopoly

'According to the latest advices from Germany the Imperial
Government has decided to abandon the plant which had been
made for converting electric service in the Empire in to a gov-
ernment monopoly.

It is stated that the plan was given up partly because the
Saxon Kingdom is about to establish a royal monopoly of this
sort and partly because Bavaria is about to build a very large
central station without the monopoly feature.

Indian Demand for Electrical Material

For a few years preceding the outbreak of the war the Indian
markets were flooded with cheap German wiring material and
devices such as wire, switches, porcelain parts, fuses, lamps,
heaters, etc.

The stock left on hand is now all wiped out and there is a
strong demand for this class of merchandise, which certainly
ought to appeal to American manufacturers, as, in this case, all
correspondence can be in English, thus removing the language
difficulty which seems so great to many of them.

Zinc Conductors

Although the Germans are said to have found great quantities
of copper in Turkey and Servia, they are nevertheless trying
to substitute zinc and iron for copper conductors in many places.
The committee on conductors in the Electro-technical Union has
published information on the electrical and physical properties
of both zinc and iron and has indicated places where they can
be successfully substituted for copper. As the relative conductivi-
ties of aluminum, zinc and iron, referred to copper as 100, are
58.4, 28.5 and 12.5 respectively, it follows that the practical use-
fulness of the last two metals as substitutes of copper for elec-
trical purposes is necesarily rather limited.

Price Increase on German Electric Machinery

The larger manufacturers of electrical machinery and ap-
paratus in Germany have made another increase of 10 per
cent, in their prices. The cause, as given, is the advance in
the cost of raw material. The increase applies to practically
all the output of the big electrical companies and makes a
total increase in price of 40 per cent, since the war opened.
Further increases are reserved in the case of articles for pure-
ly peace purposes.

German Electric Kitchen

The largest electric kitchen in the world is in use at Sie-
menstadt near Berlin. It serves 3,000 people in four groups oi
one half hour each between the hours of 12 noon and 2 P. M.
It is supplied by 6600-volt, 3-phase current reduced to 220-volt,
3-wire, and it is said that the daily consumption of power for
each person served is only about half a kilowatt-hour. This is
consideredas averaging about half a cent per capita per day,
making one of the cheapest as well as the most efficient and
sanitary cooking outfits in the world.

Electrical Power From Peat

A peat-burning, high-tension electric generating plant has
been in successful operation for many years in Northern
Germany. It consists of three 6000-volt, three-phase steam
tender-generator of 1250 kw. capacity each. The peat is cut
out of its bed by electric power and hauled to the plant in
the same manner. The consumption is about 75 tons of
briquetted peat a day. The output is used to supply light
and power to half a dozen cities, transmission being at 20,000
volts.

Russian Demand for Electric Goods

According to reports from commercial representatives re-
turning from Russia, the opportunities now existing for the
sale of electrical goods are practically unlimited. The stocks
are depleted and people are looking to Americans to supply
the market. American consuls and consular agents are over-
whelmed with inquiries as to where electrical goods can be
purchased.

Among the articles most in demand are copper and iron
wire, telegraph and telephone apparatus, small motors, X-ray
apparatus, batteries, and in fact all manner of electrical
supplies. It is said that nearly all of the 150,000 German
merchants and manufacturers, formerly residents in Russia,
who supplied most of the trade, are interned in Siberia for
the duration of the war. Particularly, are the Russians
anxious for manufacturing plants to be established in their
country, and they are offering to put up three-fifths of the
necessary capital if Americans will supply the other two-
fifths and the necessary knowledge.

The demand is such that exporters can get practically their
own prices, and absolutely satisfactory banking reference
will be put up with each order.

Electricity in China

China shows a vigorous and increasing demand for electricity
in all its branches. The Shanghai Municipal Electricity Works
supplied over 30,000,000 units during 1914 as compared with 21,-
000,000 units in the previous year ; 1,500 radiators have been
installed in Chinese houses, and small motors are very popular.
The installation of electric lighting and power in the numerous
large cities in central and southern China is under full way
now, and the British firms that have realized the possibilities
of the market, and those who have been sufficiently enterprising
to meet the local conditions are being amply repaid for their
trouble, while their work has given the greatest possible satis-
faction to the Chinese companies on whose behalf the con-
tracts have been undertaken. British installations have recently
been completed for the great cities of Soochow, Changchow
and Yangchow, in the province of Kiangsu, and for Ningpo in
the province of Chekiang, while a very large number of smaller
plants and dynamos have been supplied for lighting small towns,
missions and factories. The business formerly was largely in
the names of German firms, mainly because they were willing
to take entire contracts and to finance them.

ELECTRICAL AGE

April, 1916

The man whose work, more than that of any other single
man, has contributed to the modern growth of electrical
science is the Englishman, Michael Faraday, who many have
called "the world's greatest experimental scientist."

Newington, then on the outskirts of London, was the scene
of Faraday's birth, September 22nd, 1791. Like many
another great man he came from a very humble family, his
father being a journeyman blacksmith, whose poor health
and impaired earning power kept his family in constant
want. Nevertheless his parents were excellent people, and
the lad was carefully taught not only reading and arithmetic,
but the more important matters of loyalty and high principles
in conduct.

At the age of thirteen years Faraday was apprenticed to a
bookbinder who was interested in the family. Here he had
access to many books, and with his fine mind and untiring in-
dustry proceeded to educate himself by solid reading. He
soon took to reading the scientific works of the times and
the bent of his genius is shown by the fact that he once be-
gan to attempt to verify by his own experiments the state-
ments that he had read. He got such chemicals as he could
afford and made an electrical machine that would work,
using a glass bottle as the cylinder for it.

It was in the year 1813, when Faraday was twenty-two, that
the opportunity to take up his life work came. A customer at
the book shop had taken him to hear four lectures by Sir
Humphrey Davy, then at the height of his fame. Encouraged
by this friend, Faraday wrote full notes of these lectures, re-
wrote them in his best style and sent them to Sir Humphrey.
This led to an acquaintance which resulted in Faraday's ap-
pointment to be an assistant in the Royal Institution of which
Davy was then director. The salary was 25 shillings, or
about $6.25 a week, but the opportunity for a man like
Faraday was just what was wanted. The connection with the
Institute lasted all his life.

In the latter part of the same year Faraday started on a
tour of France, Italy and Switzerland with1 his benefactor,
which lasted for eighteen months. On it he met both Ampere
and Volta.

Coming home -he settled down to work on chemical mat-
ter and soon created a reputation for himself. Before long
be was known as one of the skillful analysts of the institute

and in one year he earned over $2,500 in fees outside of his
still modest salary. When he found that this work was in-
terfering with his scientific investigations he refused any
more of it, and devoting himself to experiments lived happily
on his limited income.

In 1820, as noted in a former article in this series, Oersted's
discovery of the relation between electricity and magnetism,
as illustrated by the effect of a current-carrying conductor on
a magnetic needle, made a tremendous sensation in scientific
circles. Faraday, with many others, held that the turning of
the needle indicated that there was something revolving
around a current-carrying conductor, which dragged the
needle into its position. He worked vigorously along the
idea and a year later succeeded in producing the first con-
tinuous rotation of a wire around a magnet, and then that of
a magnet around a wire.

It is said that when he saw electric wires for the first time
revolving between the poles of a magnet, he rubbed his
hands as he danced about the table with great glee, exclaim-
ing: "There they go! There they go! We have succeeded at
last."

But the crowning work of Faraday was the discovery of
electro-magnetic induction, which later not only developed
into the power-driven dynamo, thus cheapening the cost of
electricity to a point where it could become an economic
factor, but also lies at the base of all the enormous transfor-
mation and transmission development that has spread elec-
trical energy practically all over the civilized world.

Seven years, from 1824 to 1831, he toiled indefatigably in
trying to produce an electric current by means of a moving
magnetic field.

Suddenly, within a few weeks, in the fall of 1831, he not
only succeeded, but accurately deduced and stated the laws
governing induction so completely, that to this day no one
has ever found any serious error in his work.

The apparatus used by Faraday in this epoch-making ex-
periment consisted of an iron ring wound with two coils of
bare wire — one 72 ft. long, the other about 60, the turns be-
ing separated by twine and the layers by calico. The longer
coil was connected to a battery and a loop of the shorter
one passed over a compass needle. Making and breaking the
battery, or primary circuit, caused the needle to kick. This
was essentially the first transformer.

Less than two months later he made the first dynamo by
revolving a disc between the poles of a magnet. With one
end of a wire held against the edge of the disc and the other
against its shaft, a continuous current flowed in the wire.

It has been truly said that his rapid working out of the law
of induced currents and his ingenious theory to explain the
facts of induction were' scarcely less important than the
discovery of the fact itself.

These great achievements were fully appreciated by the
scientific men of the day and honors from foreign countries,
as well as from his own Royal Institution, came thick upon
him. He was, before this time, happily married, and in
1833 was appointed a full professor of chemistry at the In-
stitute for life without the obligation to deliver lectures.

His long period of strenuous work broke down his mind
to a certain extent at last. Memory failed and the final five
years of his life were spent waiting cheerfully and uncom-
plaingly for what he called "the great change."

He passed away painlessly, August 25, 1867, and left be-
hind him not only a great name in science, but the event
better memory of having (in the words of one of his friends)
"passed his entire life in a sustained effort to do good."

In the Congress, in 1881, that named the electric units, it
was but natural that Faraday's work in determining the
specific inductive electrostatic capacity of many of the more
common dielectrics should be remembered by naming the unit of
electrostatic capacity the "farad" in his honor.

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There are times in the sequence of all affairs when a
few years or even months make greater changes in
men's thoughts and resultant methods than otherwise
occur in centuries.

Do many of us realize that right now, speaking in an
engineering sense, we are living through one of those
times? The rising cost of metals and commodities
due to their enormous absorption in the war are forc-
ing new considerations and new economies in nearly
every industry.

With steel more than double in price and zinc in-
creased fourfold, the cost of all galvanized structures
has reached a point hitherto unknown and all metal
construction in fact, is on a new basis.
• There is no doubt that many construction plans
to-day are contemplating the use of concrete, rein-
forced and unreinforced, where a year ago it would
hardly have been given a hearing in competition with
metal.

This is specially true of the various forms of poles
used in electrical construction. Leaving aside the
tax on all electrical business involved in the heavy de-
preciation charges on the millions invested in wood
poles, there is a combined maintenance and deprecia-
tion charge on nearly all outdoor metal structures
that is almost as great proportionally.

Replacements, therefore, as well as new construc-
tions, are very likely to have concrete considered more -
carefully than has been the custom in the past.

So far as poles are concerned, in an article in this
issue we are attempting to give an idea of what has
been done here in this line. In this as in many other
practical details we are considerably behind current
practice in Europe.

Round, tapering, hollow reinforced poles, at the out-
break of the war, were obtainable there at a price that
was rapidly putting steel out of the running. Of
course, the situation was materially helped by the
greater cheapness of labor ; and labor costs are a very
important factor in making and erecting concrete
poles.

When reinforcing steel is rightly embedded in a con-
crete of suitable density its preservation is perfect and
its durability may be said to be indefinite. Where the
same attention to the proportions of parts and econ-
omy of construction is given as in using other mater-
ials, reinforced concrete poles can not only be built to
compete with steel of equal strength in economy, but
can also be constructed to compete with wood, if the
strength of the wood after eight or ten years of weath-
ering is taken into account. From fence post up to
pole sizes of the largest and heaviest types now in use,
the cost and quality of carefully designed and propor-
tioned concrete poles will more and more tend to dis-
place the perishable wood and steel types, still too
much in use.

IBelfo©©! TaraflMsafo F©5r )M<£®ti?Mml W©i?k^o

The increasing demands for higher quality of work
and workmen in electrical contracting is being shown
in the rising requirements of the various state and
municipal bodies that have put electrical licenses in
force within the last few years.

At first regarded none too favorably by the greater
number of electrical contractors, a brief experience
with their working has caused a change of heart.
Many men who were strongly opposed to such licens-
es are now strongly in favor of them.

The inevitable result of the operation of these
licensing rules is to stimulate the demand for high
class electrical workers. Those who should be most
interested in meeting this demand will do well to lend
their hearty support to the prevocational schools in
various cities.

Elsewhere in this issue we give an account of the
work as it is being carried on at Louisville, where it
bids fair to fill the need of trained workers.

Supporting this kind of teaching is more a matter of
cents than sentiment for the uninterested or untrained
worker is a costly element in the industry afflicted
with his inactivities.

With the chance for selection thus placed before
boys in the public schools there is bound to be an
intelligent selection of vocations which will greatly im-
prove the better class of man before ever he comes
to the notice of the contractor. The youngster in the
prevocational school has seen what he wants and gone
after it at the expense of sorneone else than the con-
tractor. In this way the waste factor in contractor
labor will in time be materially reduced.

A consideration of the value of the difference between
efficient and inefficient workmen, in a line where the
cost of labor is as important a proportion of the total
cost of the work as it is in electrical wiring, will show
the importance of this factor.

The net cost of finding out and getting rid of a care-
less, unskillful or indifferent wireman often amounts
to many times his wages, which are not infrequently
paid out for hindering rather than helping the con-
tract.

In an occupation where conscientiousness and re-
liability are so important, where skill and swiftness
in the work are so profitable and where the personal
relations between employer and employe should be so
close, as is the case with electrical wiring, the increase
in the number of trained men who have not made their
choice of employment under the exigencies of the mo-
ment's need but rather have started out from a de-
liberate choice to make skilled employees out of them-
selves in a certain industry, cannot but fail to he a
matter of vital interest to all electrical contractors.

The success of this method has long since been
proven in other countries.

ELECTRICAL AGE

April, 1916

There is no question of the hour more vital to the
continued prosperity of these United States than that
of getting and holding our share of the world's inter-
national trade.

The consular reports, the narratives of special
agents, intelligent travelers, commissions from foreign
countries, all who have given any attention to the
matter, unite in telling us that the chance of centuries
is now before us. They give ample evidence that the
demand for American finished products exists in prac-
tically all countries in an intensity not even yet fully
grasped by the business world. Never in history has
there been such a hungry, wide-spread desire among
so many nations for the products of one nation.

It has long been the fatal stumbling block of the
American manufacturers, that too little attention has
been paid to certain details, trifling in a way, and yet of
vital importance in getting the foreign business in the
first place and of retaining it when it is once gotten.
We have all heard the stories of foreign catalogs and
correspendence sent out in the wrong language. We
know of the classic cases of land packing for ocean
shipment and marine packing for land shipment; of
utterly useless package weights for animal transport,
of costly ignorance of foreign customs regulations and
credit requirements, and a whole long list of other
failings all springing from a lack of careful study and
attention to detail.

Perhaps the chiefest sin of all these has been in
the failure of any considerable body of our manufac-
turers to realize that out of the forty-five leading na-
tions of the world, at least twenty-five have the metric
system obligatory. This means that practically all the
measurement of raw materials, goods, machinery and
all classes of manufactured products in these countries
are made on this system. The five hundred millions
of these countries talk and think of all measurements
in terms of the meter and the kilogram. Machine-shop
tools and all scales and measuring devices are adjusted
to its dimensions. The unwillingness or inability of
America to supply machinery to fit the requirements
of this well-nigh universal system has been a real
handicap to the country's export trade. Repair parts
of electrical and other machines, wires for winding, in-
struments, any number of different classes of articles
with an inch and pound division will not fit on ma-
chines made on metric dimensions.

Many instances have been cited where the losses due
to the time and effort required to make the changes
necessary for the adjusting of the connecting element
in such cases, have amounted to many times the cost
of the parts themselves.

A 400 horsepower synchronous motor of German
make was burned out in a South American mine. In
coming to re-wind the armature only American wire
was available and the slots proved to be of such a size
that the required number of conductors of the nearest
required size could not be forced into the slot and
proper insulation maintained. The enforced use of
smaller wire resulted in unsatisfactory performance.
This difficulty was never wholly remedied until wire
drawn to a metrical gauge was secured.

A Belgian locomotive broke down in China. The

railroad company's machine shop had American ma-
chinery, and there was a lot of time and money lost
before repair parts were made to fit.

The flange on the receiving end of a Swiss turbine
refused to mate up with American pipe and a reducer
had to be made in the field to connect them.

The list of troubles of this kind might be extended
indefinitely. It is time and past time that this state of
things should end. Forty years ago Congress made
the weights and measures of the metric system legal
in this country. In these forty years many earnest
efforts have been made to spread its use. They have
been fought at every turn and, speaking comparative-
ly, practically no progress has been made. Although
a large number of manufacturers who have long been
interested in the export field use the system, in some
cases in both foreign and domestic work, the great
mass of those who are looking hopefully toward the
new conditions" obtaining abroad are entirely unpre-
pared to turn out articles for the Russian, Chinese and
Latin-American trade in the system of measures in
use in those countries.

Although Great Britain has been as slow as our-
selves in adopting the metric measure for domestic
use, the exporters there long ago learned their lesson,
and it is firmly established in the British export trade.
Exporters here, who know the conditions, have for
years been trying to get the American manufacturers
to turn down the unscientific measurements that han-
dicap this country and use the scientific system, not
merely for its value in exporting, but for its own con-
venience and time saving. As the domestic trade has
hitherto so largely overbalanced its foreign interests,
these efforts have not succeeded as they should.

FOR A PRACTICAL ORGANIZED EFFORT

Is not now a good time to look into this matter and
by a concerted effort make a move for the gradual
substitution of centimeter for inch and kilogram for
pounds? Cannot this, country do what has been done
so long ago in France, Germany, Italy and nearly
everywhere else in the world? We do not see that
there will ever come a more opportune time.

This change has undoubtedly got to be made if the
country is to get its full share of the world's business,
and it will come as soon as all scales and measures are
made in duplicate so that either system be used. Thus
all "yard sticks" will be made a meter long and marked
in inches on one side and centimeters on the other.
Volume measures shbuld have liter capacity with
the quart mark inside. All scale beams and weights
will, similarly, be double reading.

When this practice is once universally established
the metric system will easily glide into common use on
the merits of its superior convenience and mental
economy.

Why cannot all the big societies and manufacturing
and trade associations of the United States get the help
of federal, state and city governments, and with the
co-operation of the great mass of intelligent people in
the country, put the metric system in the way of com-
mon acceptance and thus materially benefit the domes-
tic business of the country as well as its conquering
progress in the world's markets!

^©(gfigsSmH IPB?&<gt£ifcs<i nsa<& Jk©tfcagiIL IEs2p@a,i©ia(g@g ©2 JPmce&teal

^t '**r:.M7]

►iliCsi \/qz)

Mf EL. Au C®^eaai 9 Jjfu

This is the day of the central station. The recent developments
in large size units, motor driven auxiliaries and the general
tendency towards more efficient operation preclude serious com-
petition from the small isolated plant in localities where large
central stations operate. As a result of these improvements the
business of the central station has been on the increase. An-
other tendency has been the acquiring of many small stations by
a combine or corporation with the consequent abandonment of
the small units. This tendency has given rise to what is termed
system operation or load dispatching. With small stations, each
one was operated more or less independently, but now the load
is distributed by system operators so as to gam the highest
efficiency of generation and transmission.

System operation has presented many problems and probably
one of the chief factors in solving the problems has been the
introduction of the relay to wide usage. The primary use of
the relay has been to cut out cable so as to protect the ap-
paratus. The recent growth of the central station industry has
added an additional factor to operation than mere protection,
and this is continuity of service. The average power user dreads
a shut down and the power solicitor finds it a difficult task to
dispose of central station power in districts where these inter-
ruptions are frequent. To reduce these to a minimum in the
larger systems the practice is now to appoint a body to plan

J Generator

5 . Gen. Relay

Bus

> '■ Selector Relays

■ Selector

Bus
. Feeder
Relays

Fig. i. — Relay Installation Diagram

the uses and settings of relays as well as other problems al-
fecting disturbances so as to segregate the trouble to a few
feeders. Not so long ago, a serious arc or surge would trip
out cable after cable sometimes covering a wide area. With
everything dead it took time to restore conditions to the normal
and this interruption cost a sum of money to the large power
user.

The method of eliminating this trouble is shown in Figure
i, an illustration of a simple feeder layout with relays. The

generator feeds directly to the bus, from which the current
flows to a tie or selector -bus, to which about five feeders are
tied. The most likely location of the trouble would be in the
feeders and as a consequence the relays of these feeders are
set to trip at 200 per cent, overload in three-quarters of a
second. Then the tie bus relay would trip at 250 per cent, over-
load in one and one-quarter seconds. These figures are arbitrary
and are determined by local conditions. In this manner any
trouble is instantly localized and the danger of spreading is re-
duced. This idea is carried out for operation all over the sys-
tem particularly between a chain of substations and two generat-
ing stations. The primary object is to keep current at all sub-
stations in case of trouble and to locate and segregate the trouble
as rapidly as possible.

It is readily apparent what a significant part of the relay
plays in operation and it is the purpose of the following matter
to present the scheme for testing and setting relays. It is as-
sumed that the average reader is acquainted with the various
types and uses of relays.

Trip Co/ 1

Contacts

Three Phase Relay

Disconnect \Buzzer

Testing
Switch

Battery

Ammeter

Fig. 2. — Relay Test With Stop Watch

The first testing of relays was done chiefly by the operator
and his helper, and at times when the load was light and they
could be spared. The manner of testing is shown in Fig. 2.
The load which usually consisted of a lamp bank was mounted
in a box set upon four casters to facilitate moving about the
switchboard. The ammeter and the switches were placed on the

ELECTRICAL AGE

April, 191 6

top so as to be accessible. The operator would secure the
proper load on the ammeter and then would attach the test
leads to the relay, one phase at a time as shown. The helper
would stand in front of the relay with a stop watch which
he would start when the operator closed the switch putting the
load on the relay. When the plunger struck the contacts he
would stop the watch and record the time, resetting the relay if
necessary. This method involved a high personal element in
securing the time which could not always be depended upon.
In the second place it took both men from in front of the
switch board which resulted in confusion in case of the unex-
pected happening. The test switch used in this scheme present-
ed a few disadvantages. It is of the ordinary type to short
circuit the instrument transformers but when used in relay
testing, the ground wire from the coils had to be disconnected
from the switch unless the circuit used to provide the testing
current was grounded.

The next move was to attach a buzzer and battery to the trip
circuit, as shown in the right of the sketch, eliminating one
man, as the operator could start the watch upon closing the
switch and stop it upon hearing the buzzer. This was an im-
provement but it still permitted the inaccuracy in recording the
time.

Recently a comparatively new instrument has been introduced
for the calibration of relays called a cyclic recorder. This
device records the number of cycles intervening between the
instant the load is applied to the relay and the closing of the
contacts. The advantage gained in using such an instrument
in relay testing is obvious, in that it makes the recording feature
automatic and free from personal error. In calibrating relays
with the cyclic recorder it has become the practice to refer to
the setting in cycles as opposed to seconds. As for instance

fits into the lid of the case while the load box, recorder and
ammeter are retained in pockets in the body of the case. Three
pairs of leads are used, one to the source, another to the relay
coil while another it attached to the contacts. These leads are
equiped with test clips, making them easy to snap on to the
jaws of the test switch. Provision is made for keeping them
in the suitcase when not in use.

Referring to the illustration, switch No. 1 controls the cur-
rent from the source while switch No. 2 controls the recorder.
To test the relay, the operator first opens No. 2 and then closes
No. 1, after joining the two clips which go to the coil together
and then adjusts the load. This is done rather than to adjust
the load with the relay in circuit as overloads easily overheat the
relay. The No. 1 switch is then opened and the leads fastened
on to the test switch jaws and closing No. 2 switch prepares the
recorder, the dial of which has been set to zero, for service.
To make the actual test the operator has but to close No. 1
switch which puts the overload on the relay and starts the
recorder which operates until the contacts close after which it
ceases to record, then the operator opens No. I switch and
records the reading on the cycle recorder adjusting the relay
if necessary.

The use of No. 2 switch is merely to keep the recorder
out of service while load adjustments are made since the in-
strument is more or less delicate.

The relay in the illustration is of the single phase type and
has a separate switch so that no leads have to be disconnected
to make the test.

The salient advantages in using the cyclic recorder in the
calibration of relays are rapidity testing, accurately and free-
dom from personal error.

I I Source

no V,

Source L eads
Board

! Escapemen^

Coil

Leads

Cuc/e Recorder

t .1 IK t

Contact
Leads

ff?

Relay Test Switch

Fig. 3. — Testing Relay With Cycle Recorder

with a frequency of sixty cycles, a setting of seventy-five cycles
would mean one minute and a quarter.

Th~ use of this instrument is shown in Figure 3. The appara-
tus shown in the illustration can be mounted in a suitcase, mak-
ing it readily movable from station to station and easily put
in service. The board upon which is mounted the binding posts

TM-b ©p@rati@m off 3&osfis$&a&<se-&e&@ttftgQee

The resistance-reactance single-phase motors are similar
in construction to the poly-phase motor. They are some-
what larger than a p'olyrphase motor of same output on ac-
count of the necessity of a centrifugal clutch, to secure good
starting torque. The rotor is of the high-resistance squirrel-
cage type for the same reason. The stator is usually con-
nected three phase delta. In starting the rotor revolves free
of the shaft until about three-fourths full speed when the
clutch automatically locks the rotor to the shaft and takes
up the load. The necessary phase displacement is caused by
an external resistance-reactance type starting box in the larg-
er sizes but in the small sizes the control mechanism is self-
contained and the motor is connected directly across the
line. These motors are built in 0.10 to 15 horsepower.

Motors of this class are satisfactory only when a moderate
starting torque is required, and must not be used even under
these conditions if there is liable to be violent fluctuations in
load or voltage after starting.; The reason for this is that
the action of the clutch is not a positive one and that as the
speed drops the centrifugal force becoming less decreases the
friction between the clutch surfaces, allowing the rotor to
drop or let the shaft slip.

There was a case recently in which the motor would fall
out when an attempt was made to use it as a drive for a tool
grinding milling cutters. As the motor was quite old the
machinist bought a similar one a trifle larger. The result
was the same. On investigation it was found that the grinder
pulled the speed down until the clutch fell out. The machin-
ist complained that in another shop he had1 the same rig
working with a smaller motor and it gave satisfactory re-
sults. Investigation proved that the other rig was equipped
with a different type of motor. The rotor of the machine
was then fastened permanently to the shaft ! after which the
motor would take its load after attaining speed. The char-
acteristics were ill-suited for the work, however.

April, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

It is advisable to consult the motor manufacturer regard-
ing the motor best suited to the particular load, or see some-
one who you feel sure knows.

The resistance-reacter single-phase motor with a high re-
sistance rotor have a very small torque and overload capacity.
For this reason they are not suited to grinding operations or
where the load fluctuates violently.

The chief field for this motor is in constant load work as,
for instance, blowers, fans, pumps, and compressors.

By Kennedy G. Rockworth

Those working round large electrical machines are often sur-
prised to find that they receive a slight electric shock from the
shaft of one machine but fail to do so from another apparently
similar and incidental machine, and working under exactly the
same conditions.

It has long been known that under certain conditions a voltage
may be induced in the shafts of electrical machines, although
these voltages are quite small. In fact, it is their smallness that
is the reason that these voltages not having been investigated
to a larger extent than they have. The induced voltages rarely
exceed a few volts, but the currents are often quite heavy be-
cause the large cross section offered by the bearings, pedestals
and bedplates of the machine introduce a very low resistance
path for the flow of current. Usually the currents that flow are
not of sufficient amount to warrant any special methods of pre-
venting the flow, although occasionally they do cause trouble,
in which case preventative means must be resorted to.

The currents that flow through the shaft, bearings, etc., of
machines are not understood, nor does their extent permit of
ready calculation because there are so many unknown factors
and ones that are variable entering into the problem. These
currents may be found in both direct-current and alternating-
current machinery. In the direct-current machines an electro-
motive force is induced only while the machine is rotating,
that is while a field of flux is being cut ; but, on the other hand,
in alternating-current machines a voltage may be induced
whether the machine be rotating or whether it be stationary,
since the field of flux may be stationary but alternating. In
actual tests it is often found that the current flowing with the
alternating-current machine stationary is greater than that exist-
ing when the machine revolves, for the reason that at standstill
the resistance offered to the current flow is a minimum whereas
while rotating the film of oil in the bearings increases the
resistance very materially.

On finding that currents are flowing through a machine it is
natural that one wonders why it is, and if reference books are
consulted nothing is found about this subject. The reason that
there are very few authoritive statements covering this matter is
because the knowledge on the matter is very meagre, afld
somewhat uncertain.

One thing is certain, however, and that is that the flow of
currents along and through the shafts of dynamo-electric ma-
chines results from the dissymetry of the magnetic circuit in
the machine. It is for this reason that one machine will have
heavy currents while another apparently similar machine has no
currents flowing. The dissymetry may in either the arma-
ture magnetic circuit or the field magnetic circuit or in both. The
chief cause of dissymmetry are the mechanical joints, one or
more of which enter into all machines almost. Other causes are
great difference of permeability and length of flux path. It will
be obvious that it is practically impossible to calculate the various
values of permeability of the path of the flux, reluctance of
the joints, resistance of the oil film, of the casting constituting
the cross section for the current flow, etc., hence the values
of current cannot be predetermined with any degree of accuracy,
■even if the electromotive force is obtainable from calculation

or actual test. The only way to determine the current circulat-
ing through the shaft is to measure it.

The larger the machines, physically and in capacity, the more
likely are bearing currents to occur, because there will be a
greater number of joints, etc., tending to make different re-
luctances, etc. Whater-wheel type generators are particularly
prone to have currents flowing through their shafts; as are also
large induction motors where the very small air gap of these
latter machines will assist to augment the unsymmetrical mag-
netic circuit.

When the currents flowing through the shafts of dynamo-
electric machines assume such proportions that they are of a
serious nature two things may be done. One is to offer two
paths for the flow of current; the other is to prevent current
flow. The first of these is accomplished by short circuiting the
shaft upon itself by connecting the ends of the shaft together
through a cable of ample current carrying capacity. Sometimes
this cable is insulated from the machine frame and at other times
not according to individual opinion. The probability is that it
is better to insulate this cable since by so doing there will be
less tendency for current to flow through the frame, bearings,
etc., although the frame is in shunt to the cable at all times in
any case, and the current will divide through the two paths
inversely as their respective resistances. The second method,
which consists of interposing an insulating joint in the circuit
and in this way preventing the flow of current, is the most
usually done and will generally be found to be the more satis-
factory way of eliminating the trouble. Once an insulating
joint is placed in the circuit, if it be done in a proper way, it
may be forgotten whereas the brushes required where a cable
connects the two ends of the shaft together are always in need
of attention at regular intervals, even though it be quite a
small amount.

The energy loss due to the passage of current through the
shafts, bearing and frames of dynamo-electric machines is one
of those losses that must be put down as "stray loss," and is a
comparatively small loss in any case. It is not because of this
energy loss that it is desired to eliminate these currents, but be-
cause of the possible damage that they may do, if unchecked, to
bearings by pitting, roughening, and burning until cutting and
heating takes place. According to tests made it seems to be
indicated that about one ampere per square inch of contact
surface is the limiting value that may be allowed to exist without
the likelihood of harmful effects occurring. Taking this figure
as the limiting one it can be seen that even on large machines —
which are really the only ones that give trouble in this respect
—the current may be very heavy indeed before any appreciable
damage to the bearings might be expected.

Having come to the conclusion that currents are actually
flowing through a machine the next thing is to determine
whether or not this conclusion is correct, and if so what propor-
tions these currents assume. It has already been explained that
it is impossible to calculate these currents from measuring the
induced voltage in the shaft because of the unknown and vary-
ing reluctances, permeabilities and resistances. Some means
must, therefore, be found to measure the current direct.

One way to do this is to connect a heavy copper cable of
ample cross section to both ends of the machine shaft. This
cable must have low resistance, otherwise the current flowing
through the cable, since the two are in parallel. The cable is
connected to each end of the shaft through flexible copper
brushes (carbon brushes cannot be used because of their com-
paratively high resistance). An ammeter is connected in the
cable. This ammeter should be one that is designed for use on
alternating currents, of course, and should have ample capacity
lest the current be sufficiently heavy to damage it. If no indi-
cation is obtained then a smaller capacity meter may be used
later. In making this test it must be remembered that the
cable and ammeter are in parallel at all times with the shaft,
pedestals and frame hence the current indicated by the meter

ELECTRICAL AGE

April, 191 6

may be half or less than the total current flowing. There is no
way of telling just what the total current is without interposing
an insulating joint somewhere in the machine circuit. If this
is done usually it will be found best to do it under one of the
pedestals.

One method of measuring the current, and a reasonably ac-
curate one, consists of utilizing the shaft of the machine as
one turn of a current transformer. Round the shaft is built
up a ferric core upon which is wound a number of turns of
small wire. In this circuit is connected an ammeter. The shaft
constitutes the primary and the other turns the secondary of the
current transformer. Before it is possible to use this trans-
former with any degree of accuracy it is necessary to calibrate
it. This is done by winding a few turns on the core in place
of the machine shaft. In this circuit connect an ammeter and
then connect the winding though a rheostat to the alternating
current supply of the same frequency as that of the machine it
is desired to test. Vary the rheostat and therewith the current
in the transformer primary at the same time recording on paper
both primary and secondary currents. Do this over a sufficient
range such as it is expected will occur on test. Correct for
the ratio of turns (since the shaft constitutes one turn whereas
in calibrating a number of turns are used) and plot the values
of the secondary current against those of the primary. Having
calibrated the current transformer in this way it now remains
to build up this core round the shaft of the machine. When
this has been done and all is in readiness start the machine and
bring it up to normal frequency and normal voltage. Read the
ammeter and record the current values as they are indicated
on the meter. Convert these current values to actual amperes
and the required determinations are obtained. This method
while appearing somewhat tedious is really less costly to do
than the previous method at the same time being reasonably
accurate. It is usually more easily carried out, also, since flex-
ible copper brushes, heavy cable, and the means for fastening
the brushes to some form of rigid base are not always obtain-
able.

In closing it might be said that currents in the shafts of
dynamo-electric machines do not often cause any serious trouble
except in the very largest machines such as those of the water-
wheel type. When trouble does develop before going into ex-
pensive tests it is well to make sure the oil is not the cause of
the trouble, or a defective filtering system.

.-Laminated Iron Core

Sketch of Bmlt-Up Current Transformer

The sketch shows a core built up for the test here described.
The inner opening in the core must, of course, be large enough
to permit the shaft of the machine to be tested being passed
through it. If much of this kind of work is to be done it
will be found most economical of time and money to build up
the core in the same way that a split-ring current transformer is
made, so that the core may be opened and slipped on the shaft
and clamped closed, in this way saving the time and annoyance
of having to build the core round the shaft.

* <& *

CIgas'a'dmt ©1! 3Lag Msaisig BMgsIfonK'g)®

A portion of a tubular copper lightning rod that had been
struck was recently inspected by experts connected with the
Weather Bureau.

The tube, which was the terminal portion of the lightning
rod, was completely crushed except at the tip. It was fused
in places and the brazing solder at the joint had volatilized.
It is thought that the tube was squeezed by the magnetic

field of the discharge while hot, and from the fusing and
crushing effect it appears that the current must have been
approximately 90,000 amperes.

♦ ♦*♦ ♦♦♦

&» CSaait fSamt l>ii©ws Wlay C®^1 §>Bao&M M<&
H®mfg!at ©an ® W<mmt Unit Bails

This chart will be found useful by all purchasers of coal who
buy on a large scale. It shows, with considerable accuracy, the
reasons why coal can often be profitably bought ua B.t.u. basis.

All you have to do is : Lay a straight edge across the chart
and you immediately know how many B.t.u.'s you are getting
per cent, which is the important factor, always.

Jt*or example, if you pay $3.00 per ton for coal which contains
9,000 B.t.u. per pound, the dotted line across the chart shows that
you are getting 60,000 B.t.u. per cent.

1.00

50,000 <->

60,000 5

~~ - ^UJ

.70,000 >~
80,000 (-
30,000 5

100,000 o

-t 8,000
-StG© 0- •

J0.000

= -+15.000

--■500,000

7.00

8.00

.9.00

4 1 0.00

Cost and Heat Unit Coal Buying Chart

Again, if you pay $4.00 per ton for coal which contains 12,000
B.t.u. per pound, the lower dotted line shows that you are again
getting 60,000 B.t.u., per cent.

The $4.00 coal, therefore, is just as "cheap" as the $3.00 coal
as far as cost of B.t.u.'s. is concerned. In fact, the $4.00 coal is
very likely the coal to buy in preference to any other because of
the fact that it doubtless contains less ash and other trouble-
some elements. If the $4.00 coal should contain 13,000 B.t.u.
per pound there would be no question at all as to which to buy.

Keep your eye on the left hand column. The cost per ton is
not as important as the cost of the B.t.u.'s.

It will be noted that the range of the chart is great — from
$1.00 to $10.00 per ton, and from 8,000 to 16,000 B.t.u. per
pound of coal. W. F. S.

*♦* *♦* *$*

In a recent lecture before the Royal Institute of Great
Britain it was stated by an authority that by a new process
for large producer gas plants, which involves the reducing
of the temperature of the exhaust gases from 600 deg. C. to
200 deg. C, by passing them through an exhaust steam boil-
er, the efficiency of such a plant could be increased 25 per
cent.

April, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

The Caff© ©aatfii laasiiaflllatfl®si ©2 Ellec&rilce

JkppasrMims

This article should supply the need of the small central
station and isolated plant for a handy list of data on troubles
and their remedies. It is arranged in laboratory style, which
will be found convenient for reference and also familiarizes
the user with the standard for test reports

By H. E. Weightman

PART I— MACHINERY

The following gives a list of machines, switchboard and stor-
age battery troubles upon which complaints usually arise and the
instructions given herewith have been compiled as a guide for
installers and caretakers of small electrical equipment. Appar-
atus should always be installed in accordance with the following
and all defective conditions as herein mentioned should be re-
medied at once.

Machine Defects — Mechanical — Vibration

All machines such as dynamos, charging motor generator sets,
motors, and all auxilary apparatus after being mounted, should
be absolutely free from vibration and pounding.

This vibration and pounding is usually due to an incorrect
alignment of machines, an imperfectly balanced armature or ro-
tor, unsteady on their foundations, or poor end play.

Instructions for the correct alignment of belt driven and direct
connected machines are given in many of the handbooks and are
also described in the Issues of many of the trade papers. If the
instructions given the maker are not enough to cover a case it is
best to bring the question up to him as his men are always col-
lecting data on the machines and know more than probably any-
one outside the field of this apparatus would. They know its
peculiar characteristics.

An imperfectly balanced armature or rotor, which is now very
seldom found after a machine has left the factory, can be tested
for high or low points by removing the armature from the frame
and setting the same on level knife edge supports, then revolving
ana allowing it to assume its position of rest. If there are high
or low points, the high point will assume the lower position.
This trouble can, in low and medium speed apparatus, be remedi-
ed by leading the low portion of the armature. The lead should
be distributed as much as possible. Where the speed of the
armature is high as in some turbine units the factory is the only
place that the trouble can be overcome. Fortunately, the high
speed units are always given a more rigid balancing test. Unbal-
ancing may in some remote cases give trouble at only some criti-
cal speed between a standstill and full speed. In that case the
factory must be consulted as to the danger element and the trou-
ble remedied by them if possible.
If trouble is due to an unsteady floor foundation, the floor con-
struction may have to be reinforced by auxiliary beams. In no
case should the matter be allowed to. lag because the building is
in danger as well as the electrical apparatus. In case of steel
girder foundations they may be strengthened by filling with ce-
ment or by steel shims. The girder may be bent out of true and
this will in some cases give an unsteady foundation, the remedy
of which is obvious.

When trouble is due to improper leveling of sub-bases this may
be remedied by the use of fiber, or sheet iron shims at the points
where needed. Cement grouting should never be depended on
entirely as a leveling means on foundations. Always use enough
shims to take the load and fill in the balance with the grout.

Machines may be leveled by placing a straight edge on the
shaft or in direct connected units, on the coupling halves.
Bearings

All bearings on all machines should be free from leaks and not
overheat under normal or a guaranteed overload.

These leaks are due to overflows, loose end plates and cracked
bearings, absence of oil rings, oil rings out of place or journal
boxes being improperly located in housing.

Leaks due to loose end plates can be remedied by the use of
shellac and red lead in making up the joint. When the bearing
is only slightly cracked this can be remedied by filling in with
lignite. If the crack extends around the casting and is too large
to be filled satisfactory, a new bearing should be ordered.

Overheating of bearings is due to lack of lubricat:on, presence
of dirt, grit or other matter in the bearings, rough journals,
journals too tight for shaft, bearings out of line, and pressure of
shaft collars against bearings or armature out of the true polar
center, which is indicated by the varible air— gap.

If trouble is due to a lack of lubrication, supply a sufficient
quantity of good clean oil and observe that it feeds properly.
This oil should be a first class quality dynamo oil. Great care
should be taken not to flood the bearings as this will force wind-
ings or may in time rot the leads causing troublesome grounds
and even short circuits.

When dirt, grit or other matter has collected in bearings this
can be removed by thoroughly flushing with kerosene — gasoline
should never be used. What was said regarding flooding the
bearings with oil applies with equal force to the use of kerosene.

Rough journals or bearings should be smoothed down and pol-
ished removing all cuts, scratches and burrs which may be found
upon their surface.

When bearings are too tight loosen up the bolts in the cap,
evenly and a little at a time, until the trouble disappears.

If the shaft is high or low, pack up or turn down the bearing
base sufficiently to allow proper setting.

When trouble is due to end thrust, a careful examination of the
foundation should be made to see that the same is level. The
armature should move free with end motion, which can be ob-
tained by having a level foundation with the armature in its mag-
netic center.

When an armature is out of center in the polar space, it may
be that the bearing has become worn allowing the armature shaft
to move out of center. This can be remedied by recentering the
armature, that is, setting same so that there is equal distance be-
tween armature and pole pieces on all sides and at both ends of
the armature and then adjusting the bearings for this new posi-
tion. This can be accomplished by the same process as when
bearings are out of line as previously stated.

Oil Gauges

All oil gauges which have been supplied on machines should be
free from leaks. These leaks are in most cases due to poor fit-
ting at the place where the gauge stud enters the bearing house-
ing, due to loose fitting of drain plugs or cocks at the botton of
the oil gauge, or poor gaskets for the glass sights.

The leaks can be remedied by tightening up all loose parts and
applying red lead at leaky points. When gaskets are in poor
condition new ones is the only solution that is effective.

All defective oil gauges and oil gauge glasses on machines
should be replaced by the maker by others in good condition.

All oil gauges on machines should be mounted on the same
side^ of the unit, that is, not on the left side of the motor and the
right side of the generator. The same applies to cases where
there are several units, the gauges should be placed uniformly
on one side.

All gauges on one type of machines should be of the same style
and of uniform size.

Brushes

All brushes should be of the type approved by the maker of the
machine for the service conditions encountered.

All copper plating on carbon brushes should be cut back so
as not to come in contact with the cammutator. All brushes
should be free from cracks and charring.

Avoid all patented brushes that are offered as a "cure all," as
there is no merit in them unless designed so as to fit your case.
Again, let me say, consult the maker or an expert.

All brushes should fit their rings or commutators. For meth-
ods see any standard handbook or reliable trade paper.

ELECTRICAL AGE

April, 1916

Brush Holders

All brush holders should be mounted firmly on their studs so
that there can be no chance of side motion.

All Baylis and similiar holders should be mounted so that the
lower edge of the contact plate is within one-sixteenth of an
inch from the contact surface of the commutator.

The tension on all contact fingers should be uniform.
Commutator

The commutators of all machines should be kept clean and
smooth. Being clean and smooth counts more than the color
that is so often emphasized in popular journals.

See General Electric Review for May 1913 on commutators
and similiar articles in the index of the leading trade machines.

Noises on a machine may be due to :

(a) Armature striking or rubbing on pole pieces,

(b) Collars or shoulders on shafting striking against bear-
ing,

(d) Loose screws, bolts or connections,

(e) Singing or hissing of brushes,

( f ) Chattering of brush holders,

(g) On belt driven machines it may be the flapping, pound-
ing or slipping of belts

(h) Humming of armature teeth as the pass the poles due
to flux changes and to windage.

If the noise is due to the armature striking against the poles,
a careful examination of the armature may reveal that some of
the surface conductors are projecting out of their proper place.
This is usally so only in cases where the coils are held only by
binding wires. Such a condition means that the coils will have
to be pressed into place and the band wires wound tighter.
Where excess paint has been put on the armature it should be
scraped off enough to allow the armature to clear. The air-gap
should be tested by strip gauges or other reliable methods to be
sure that it is the right amount.

When noise is due to collars or shoulders on shafting striking
against the bearing, parts of the bearing may also be loose, all
such parts should be tightened. This trouble may also be due to
improper alignment of a unit.

When noise is due to loose bolts, screws and connections, these
should all be tightened. The running of a machine may cause
these to become loose and they should be given frequent atten-
tion. It may be necessary to provide check nuts or lock wash-
ers in some cases.

Singing or hissing of brushes are due to sticky or dirty com-
mutator or uneveness of brushes, especially where the brushes
are new and not worked to a seat. Trouble rarely occurs with
copper brushes on account of poor seating.

Chattering of brushes due to their being loose or that the hold-
er is loose is easily detected and remedied. When a brush wears
below a certain point chattering may result, with accompanied
sparking due to the holder hitting the commutator. The holders
will also chatter after the commutator has been turned down be-
low a certain working diameter.

Flapping and pounding of belts is due generally to a loose,
poorly surface belt, or a poor joint. A proper tension should be
used, avoiding too tight a belt.. Good treatment for belt and a
first class square splice should be had. All splices should be long
and properly glued. The smaller the pulley the longer the splice.
Leads and Connections

All leads frayed at ends where they enter lugs or thimbles
should be bound with lockstitch and shellaced or painted with
an approved insulating compound.

All local leads, such as the armature leads should be of the
proper length and well formed.

All field leads should be clamped to the machine frame where
necessary. These clamps should be made of thin brass or other
nonmagnetic material and nothing but steel screws should be us-
ed to fasten the clamps to the frame. If this is done the clamps
will never loosen up.

All armature leads from brushes holders to terminal blocks
should be of such a length that they do not interfer with working
around the commutator. They should not be so long that they
reast on the sub-base of the machine.

All leads running to and from machines should be installed in
an approved manner and painted with compound.

In making connections to terminal blocks all leads should fur-
nished with thimble type lugs.

No leads should be run in conduit where the insulation has
been cut or marred.

Missing Parts
All missing parts such as brushes, oil rings, brass caps for oil
wells, thimbles for terminal blocks, brush holder accessories, oil,
gauges, etc., should be listed and the shipping cases searched for
traces of them. If not found the maker should be required to
supply the parts short.

Numbering Machines

Most companies of the larger size number. each machine and
auxilary in the plant. This is for inventory purposes and to
identify the machine on repair and work orders. This practice
can well be copied in all plants, to the smallest isolated station.
A good practice is to print I inch numbers on each side of a
machine or in one particular spot on each transformer or simi-
liar apparatus. White enamel is the best color to use.
Finish of Machines and Parts

Machines should be given final finish only after all mechanical
and electrical defects have been cleared. If at any time the fin-
ish is marred in repairing the machine, it should be refinished as
an attendent will take better care of a good looking machine.

All cracks and patches on machines if they have been previous-
ly finished should be filled in and varnished.

All oil spots, paint spots, etc., should be removed and scratch-
es refinished.

Wherever red lead has been used to remedy leaks around end
plates on bearings or oil gauge studs, it should be painted.

After all electrical and mechanical defects have been cleared
on machines installed they should be refinished if deemed neces-
sary.

To refinish machines which have been previously finished in
the factory, it will be only necessary to apply a coat of varnish.
A standard varnish consists of one part ivory black mixed with
two parts coach varnish.

In some cases, machines are shipped from the factory without
this coat of varnish. These machines should be then varnished
as completed.

All places on machines where enamelling has been broken off
should be refinished. This also applies to the sub-bases as well
as the machine proper. To patch up this abrasion it is first neces-
sary to thoroughly clean it out with benzine to remove the oil
which may have collected. It should then be filled with Black
Iron filler and left to stand for at least twenty-four hours, in or-
der that it may become .perfectly dry. It should be then sand-
papered with number o sand-paper. After sand-papering a coat
of white lead shaded with ivory drop black or lamp black,
should be applied. When this becomes dry it should be sand-
papered with number 00 grade of paper, and given a coat of
flat ivory black and allowed to dry for three hours, after which
the coat of varnish mentioned above should be applied.

When abrasions are only slight, they can be filled with a putty
made of dry white lead and varnish, smoothed with sandpaper,
and covered with a coat of flat ivory black and varnished.

All scratches, paint spots, etc. can be remedied by first sanding
with fine sand-paper and giving a coat of coach varnish.

All places where red-lead has been used to stop oil leaks
should be painted over.

All brass and copper parts such as terminals, commutators, slip
rings, brush holders and accessories, bolt heads, screw heads, etc.
should be given a high polish. All parts not wearing or contact
surfaces should then be lacquered.

A good paste is the best form of polish to use for polishing
finished parts. (To be continued)

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The request for information regarding "choke" or reactance
coils published in the January issue of Electrical Age is prob-
ably based on the desire of the querist to avoid using a resist-
ance for regulating an alternating current where a reactance
can be made that will better serve the purpose at a fraction of
the cost.

For it is pretty generally known that where it is necessary to
operate some alternating current device at a voltage lower than
that commercially available, to properly and economically reduce
the voltage or current, the so-called "choke" or reactance coil,
connected in series with the device is much cheaper than a
resistance, inasmuch as most of the energy absorbed is returned
to the circuit while with a resistance all the energy absorbed is
lost. The use of this device is based on the fact that if an
alternating current passes through a coil of insulated wire
wound in the form of a helix or solenoid, a counter electro-
motive force is set up within the coil that greatly reduces the
amount of current that would result, were the wire laid out
straight and the same alternating current pressure applied to its
terminals, as when coiled up.

Fig. I. — Spool for Small Reactance Coil

If a solenoid or coil is so arranged as to allow a soft iron
core to be inserted through its central opening, the current
reducing effect on the reduced counter electromotive force is
greatly increased.

Two important characteristics of a choke coil that is provided
with a movable iron core are the uniformity of the variation
and the great range in thev variation, of the choking effect.

The cost of regulation by using a choke coil is many times
less than the same amount of regulation or reduction if ordinary
resistance is employed.

Although a specific size of coil for a certain reactance was
requested in the query the coil described in the following speci-
fication will enable anyone, as will be shown later, to get a
variable reactance that will not only take care of the querist's
case, but of many others, and will be effective for use in dif-
ferent work of either an experimental or permanently operating
nature.

Five and one-half pounds of No. 16, double cotton covered
copper magnet wire are wound on a spool or form, in eleven
layers as shown in Fig. I. The length of the spool is 8^4
inches inside the square ends, the ends are 4x4 inches, the
central tube which may be made of hard fibre or of card board
is 2 inches in diameter, making the diameter of the central hole
through the coil, 2 inches. The thickness of the central tube
may be % inch or even 3/16 inch. The ends may be of 54
inch pine or oak as desired. The holes in the wooden ends
may be bored out by use of an expansion bit. There should
be about 133 turns of wire in each layer (closely wound) and 8
layers ; making about 1,064 turns in the completed coil. The
ohmic resistance of the coil is about 2.7 ohms.
. With a pressure of 35 volts, 60 cycles, applied to the terminals
of the coil, the current will be 5 amperes. With a direct-current
pressure of 35 volts applied to the terminals of the same coil

35
a current of — = 12.9 amperes will result. The choking ability

27
of the coil on alternating-current circuits is therefore 7.9 am-
peres at 35 volts, 60 cycles.

Considering the matter from a different standpoint, the coil
will account for 35 volts either on alternating-current or direct-
current circuits, when taking 5 amperes alternating-current or
12.9 amperes direct-current. While accounting for 35 volts
alternating-current, 2.7 X 52 — 67.5 watts are required, and
while accounting for 35 volts direct-current, 2.7 X 12.92 = 451.5
watts are required. The choking effect of the coil when ac-
counting for 35 volts alternating current, effects a saving of
384 watts, as compared with an uncoiled wire of 2.7 ohms
resistance; a saving of nearly 4 cents per hour, at a charge
rate of 10 cents per kilowatt hour.

A core 16 inches long and ix/i inches in diameter, made up of
i^/z pounds of iron wires about No. 16 B. & S. gauge, inserted
into the central hole of the coil, will greatly reduce the current.
If no volts at 60 cycles is applied to the terminals of the coil,
without the core inserted, the current in the coil is i6}4 amperes ;
while with the same applied pressure and the iron core inserted,
the current is reduced to 1 ampere. By simply moving the iron
core gradually out from the coil the current may be varied
from 1 to 16^ amperes. The No. 16 copper wire of which
the coil is made would carry i6$4 amperes only a short time
without overheating the wire. If a coil is made of a wire large
enough to safely carry 16^2 amperes continuously, and with
the same number of turns (1,064) then such a coil could regu-
late from 1 to 16^2 amperes with the same iron core.

In using a choke coil on alternating-current circuits, always
complete the circuit with the iron core inserted ; never switch
the current on unless the iron core is inserted to full extent,
which means minimum current. The chpke coil might be

ELECTRICAL AGE

April, 1916

wound in two sections as shown in Fig. 2, which really consti-
tutes two coils, thus allowing greater variation in choking ef-
fect.

Fig. 2. — Two-winding Coil

One constructed by the writer, having the same dimensions
as the coil described above, wound with 800 turns of No. 14,
double cotton covered copper in each of two sections as illus-
trated in Fig. 2, and with iron core as described, can be used
to regulate an arc light with one section from no volts, 60
cycles, or with both sections from 220 volts, 60 cycles.

Eloign ©S Hsn&lfl H@^@t®it<g@ C©il

In the January issue of the Electrical Age a method was
asked for designing a reactance coil having an impedance of
about 8 ohms at 60 cycles and capable of carrying indefinitely
35^2 amperes without overheating.

In attacking this problem, the first question to be ascertained
is whether it is intended to use a coil having a ■ iron core, or
one with merely air in the magnetic circuit.

This being settled, the first step in the design is to find how
much self induction a coil must have to a reactance of 8 ohms
at 60 cycles.

Reactance = self inductance X frequency X 2II
hence calling self -inductance L, we have
Reactance 8

2II /

2 X 3.14 X 60

= .021 henry

47.1

Knowing L, for size of coil with air core, we have the equation
3.2 A N*

L =

io8 /
Where A is area of coil in square inches, / is length of coil
in inches and A/ the number of turns.
For number of turns, then

L X / X io8

N* =

3-2. A
Let us take the length of the coil as 2.5 inches, and a cross-
sectional area of 5 square inches, corresponding to a diameter
of a little over 2.5 inches.
Solving for number of turns.

.021 X 2.5 X 10s 21 X ioc
AP = =

3.2 X 5 64

= 328,125
hence N = 574 turns.

We must next be sure that we ca put .574 turns of the
necessary wire in the space assured. Tf the resistance losses in

the coil are to be kept low in comparison with the reactance,
a fair sized wire must be used. Assume a No. 16 B. & S. wire
covered with asbestos insulation 10 mils in thickness to insure
fireproof construction, we have

Total diameter of insulated wire would then be
51 + 2 X 10 = 71 mils
This would give about 14 turns per linear inch of coil, and,

say, 35 turns per layer. Therefore the coil should be

574

-, or

approximately 17 layers deep, or at 14 layers to the inch, nearly
1.25 inches deep.

The resistance of this size of copper wire is about 4 ohms per
1,000 feet. The amount of wire required, taking mean diameter
of winding as 3.7 inches be approximately
3-7 X 3.14 X 574

7 or 555 feet.

12
Taking resistance at 4 ohms per 1,000 feet would give 2.2 ohms ;
Losses in coil at y/2 ampere would be 268 watts.
The weight of the. copper wire and insulation would be a
little less than 5 lbs.

The total impedance of this coil would be V7 (2.2)* -f- 82, or
about 8.3 ohms.

If it is desired to use an iron core the size and weight of the
copper wire used in making the coil can be much reduced.

An iron core consisting of a bundle of pure iron wires will
increase the self-induction about 15 fold and if it is desired to
use such a core the coil could be made less than half the s'ze
and weight. A design of 1 inch in diameter and 150 turns would
work out closely enough, as by adjusting the air gap in the
magnetic circuit the choking effect can be varied to suit. W. K.

The following? are offered for your discussion. Tf you have in-
formation on these subjects or if you have had experience in these
matters, then here is the chance for you to help those in difficulty.
Published answers and discussions are paid for.

Economy of Three-Phase Transmission
Please explain fully how it can be that electric power at the
same voltage and proportion of loss can be transmitted three-
phase with only three-fourths of the amount of copper that
direct-current transmission would require. How and why is the
copper more economically used in the former case? A. W.

Changing Frequencies
Is there any simple, practical way of changing a 60-cycle
alternating-current to 20-cycle alternating-current either by ro-
tary or oscillatory method, other than by using the ordinary
frequency changer? If so, please advise how it is to be done,
giving sketch. C. H. C.

Grounding Open Delta Transformers
We are operating a 6,600 to 120-240-volt, 3-phase, "open delta"
system with the common 240-volt wire grounded to a system
of water-mains at all available points, for a mixed light and
power service. It has given every satisfaction so far, but most
text books and writers state that in a bank of open delta trans-
formers the ground should be on the middle point of one of
the transformers.

Of course with the latter arrangement the maximum voltage
to ground is only about 210 volts as against 240 with the ground
on the common wire, but- is there any other reason for recom-
mending the ground on the "neutral" wire?

If there is, w'e would like to know what it is. If there isn't,
we are well content to let the ground where it is, as we get
more benefit from its conductivity. Please advise us fully about
this. E. M.

April, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

Effect of Blown Fuse on Meter Readings

Will a 25-ampere, 220-volt, 3-phase, induction wattmeter, con-
nected as shown, record accurately the energy delivered to a
3-phase, 220-volt, 10-hp. induction motor, under the conditions

25 Amp. 220 Volt
Z-Phase Wattmeter

existing when one of the fuses between the meter and the motor
is burned out, regardless of whether it is fuse A, B or C that is
burned out? If so, why? W. T.

*> •§• *

W®ttftSD&<B$«ff

Answering query of M. S. in the March issue, if the current
to be measured is that of a load whose power factor does not
vary with the voltage and a steady voltage is available the
power factor can be measured with a wattmeter as follows :

A non-inductive resistance of known value is placed in series
with the circuit. This resistance can be made up of wire or
cable whose resistance can be calculated from a wire table in
case no resistors of known value or available. First connect as

"MKKTWVW WWV

p p, p2

Fig. 1. — Methods of Connection

in Fig. 1 and measure the power absorbed by the resistance alone
(Pi) then that absorbed by the load alone (P). Now connect
the resistance as in Fig. 2 and measure the power it ab-
sorbs (P2)

E = steady applied voltage.

P = power absorbed by load as read by wattmeter (in
watts)

Pi = power absorbed by resistance as read by wattmeter

P2 = power absorbed by resistance when across E volts

Ri =? resistance of re :stor (in ohms)

/ = current through resistor and load

R = resistance of load

X — reactance of load

Series Coil

k>i

Wattmeter

Fig. 2. — Two-phase Connections

Now

P2 = — hence E = V p* R*

ft
P, = PR, and P - PR

Pi P PR,
from which = and R =

Rx R Pi

e V ftft

— = v x* + (R + Rv =

1 v p/R

P2 Ri R

Solving, X2 = (R + Rty

P2 Ri R

R2 + x2 = p2 + (r + Rty

Power Factor = P. F. = \/ R2 1

P2 Ri R

R2 + (P + P1)2

P Ri

In this formula the value of R = can be used.

Pi
P, Pi, and P2 are wattmeter readings, R is known so
power factor can be calculated.

If a two-phase source of power is available and the voltages
are balanced, steady and in proper relations the power factor
can be obtained as follows, assuming a sine wave which is
probably approximately correct.

Put the load on phase A with the wattmeter current coil
connected in that phase. Connect the voltage coil to phase A
and read the meter calling this reading P. Now connect the
voltage coil to the other phase and read the meter for Pi.

Fig. 3- — Reading Diagram

What the wattmeter really needs is / times the projection ot
Pa or £b on /

P = E\I =

Pa/cos e
Pi = E\ = P/cos a

= EJ sine 9 (since © + a — 90 deg.).
Also if Pa = Pb, that is if the voltage of the 2 phases

are equal, then
Pi

= tan 9

/ P

Power Factor = cos 9 = </} + tan2 9^= <J P2 + PS

The accuracy of the result will be in doubt as unless meters
are available, for we don't know how nearly correct our assump-
tions are as to voltage. R- H. W.

Power-Factor From Watt-Meter Readings

Answering the question in the March issue as to the best way
of determining the power factor of a circuit by the use of a
watt -meter; according to some late investigations the power
factor of a three-phase circuit where any kind of a polyphase
watt-meter is in use can be determined as follows:

Take readings of the time of one revolution of the disk of
the meter when correctly connected in circuit; then reverse the

ELECTRICAL AGE

April, 1916

connection of one of the current coils and take readings of the
new time for one revolution under this condition. Putting T
and 7\ for these readings respectively,
T

— X y3 = tan 9
T1

That is, the ratio of these two time readings multiplied by the
square root of 3, or 1.71, equals the tangent of the power factor
angle. This known, the cosine of the angle, which is to say, the
power factor, can be found from a table of tangents and cosines.

We do not know of any simple method for determining this
quantity in the case of a single-phase circuit with the use of a
watt-meter only, and if anyone does, we would be glad to hear
from them. The methods usually given require quite a lot of
calculation. S. U.

the speed. If the brushes are set correctly the speeds will be
the same in both directions. If the forward speed is high then
the brushes are too far retarded with respect to that direction
of rotation.

The explanation given in the March number that the c.e.m.f.
is cut down by the coils working against each other is true but
it is an effect of secondary importance, for with ordinary ma-
chines there is a considerable space between poles where the
field is weak, in other words, there is a fairly wide zone in
which the coils generate very little voltage so that the brushes
would have to be shifted through a considerable angle to make
this effect show up. Even a small angular shift, however, gives
a considerable armature flux component since modern machines
are apt to have armatures whose ampere turns are fairly large
with respect to the field. R. H. W.

In the question and answer section of the March number
there is an explanation which is not entirely correct. It is in
regard to the reason why direct-current motors speed up when
the brushes are shifted. Now as a matter of fact unless the
motor in question is unusual it won't speed up unless the brushes
are shifted in a certain direction (against direction of rotation).
If the brushes are shifted with rotation the motor will run
slower.

Fig. 2

Fig. 1

In Fig. 1 the brushes are given a back lead with respect to
rotation. For simplicity the brushes are shown making contact
directly on the conductors instead of on a commutator though
this is merely a useful convention. The currents in the arma-
ture conductors are going in where marked (X) and coming
out where marked. These armature currents flowing around
the iron core of the armature will magnetize it in the direction
of the axis of the turns producing the magnetism which is
shown at "A." This action is entirely similar to the
magnetic action of a current carrying coil on any piece of iron
whether an armature or not. The armature flux can be con-
sidered as made up of two components, one in line with the
main field flux, the other at right angles to it. This is another
entirely justifiable convention and is only used for conven-
ience. The first mentioned component of the armature flux being
in the direction of the main field will strengthen it and cause
the motor to slow down in order not to generate too high a
counter electro-motive force with the increased field. If the
brushes are shifted ahead as in Fig. 2, the axis of the armature
flux will shift till the component "R" on the direction of the
main field opposes it, weakens the field and speeds up the motor.

In Fig. 1 if the pole tips are not well saturated the cross com-
ponent of the armature flux may distort the main field to such
an extent that, due to the increased flux density at the leading
pole tip, the total magnetic reluctance of the main field path is
increased, thus cutting down the field more than the small
component will increase it and the final effect will be that the
motor will speed up. In this case the motor speeds up by shift-
ing the brushes in either direction but speeds up much more
with a forward lead than with a backward lead.

One very useful application of this principle is to accurately
ascertain the correct neutral position for the brushes, especially
on a commutating pole machine where correct brush position is
important to good operation. Connect the machine as a motor,
run it and measure its speed. Now reverse it and again measure

Concerning the question as to charging current of a 100-
mile three-phase transmission line that appeared in the Decem-
ber issue and had two answers published, one in January and one
in March, the following is submitted as the correct solution :

The charging current of any wire, or any other device having
electrostatic capacity, is represented by the formula

2U f C E

I =

ioe
where / is the charging current in amperes, / is the frequency,
E the impressed voltage and 2II / C the "capacity susceptance"
in terms of micromhos, C itself, being the capacity of the con-
ductor in microfarads.

The value of the capacity to neutral for each of a given pair
of conductors one mile in length, whose distance apart in air
is D and whose diameters are d both being expressed in the
same units, and D more than 10 times d, is

C =

log

Substituting the valve of D (72 inches) and d .289 inches,
ve have

.0388 .0388 .0388

C = = = = .0144 microfarads.

log 2 X 72 log 498 2.697

.289

Substituting the value of C in the above formula and usmg
25 cycles the susceptance of each conductor per mile is

6.28 X 25 X .0144 = 2.26 micromhos,
and charging current per mile, per wire is
2.26 X 46000

— '- : — == .1039 amperes

106
46000 being the voltage to 'neutral.

Charging current per wire for 100 miles = 10.39 amperes.
All the foregoing holds true, whether for a single-phase, two-
phase or three-phase system. The capacity to ground is not
considered, being negligible.

For a balanced three-phase line with conductors arranged in

2
an equilateral triangle the charging current per wire is or

1.155 times the above value. Thus we get finally
Charging current per wire = 10.39 X 1. 153 = 12 amp.

W. K.

The above is the correct solution. The formula published as
used by E. J. F. in January in solving this problem would have
given the same result as the above but for an error in the state-

1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

ment of the numerator of the logarithmic fraction in the capaci-
ty. This made the result too great. A similar error, combined
with another in the statement of the general formula, led to
the making of H. H. W.'s result in the March i sue somewhat
too small. Ed.

Asu Uroaa Wm<& (SftraK&ayil wMBa m

The construction of iron pipe grounds with a rock salt
filling has been recommended by a good many engineers
whose experience entitles their opinion to weight. Measure-
ments have shown that the average resistance of ordinary
ground connctions of different forms and of various ages
to be approximately 200 ohms. Obviously, an earth connec-
tion having such a high resistance cannot be very effective
for secondary grounding. The connection of the kind illus-
trated in the figure has, it is claimed, the advantage of initial
low resistance and of maintaining this low resistance per-
manently. The average resistance of 250 grounds of this
type was 15.7 ohms each. The feature of this connection is
a rock-salt filling which, when dissolved, permeates the soil
thereby greatly increasing its electrical conductivity.

Copper Ground Wire

Threaded for£ "Pipe

Ho/e for Soldering
Ground Wire

Pole

Ground
L ine '•

i:-----~f-z-z-::J ' ,

BRASS CONNECTING i
COUPLING

Roch Sail Filling

Construction of Rock Salt Ground

The directions for installing the salt-filled pipe ground are
as follows: — First a 2-in. wrought iron pipe (outside diameter
2}i in.) is driven into the earth, at the point where the ground
connection is to be made, a distance of 5 ft. It is then with-
drawn. The cylindrical cavity thus formed is filled with rock
salt as shown in the illustration. Now a 12-ft. length of 34-in.
galvanized iron pipe is driven through the 5-ft. salt stream
and about 5 ft. further down in the earth. The top end of
the pipe which is mutilated by its being driven into the earth
is then cut off and threaded. Now another length of J^-in.
pipe about 10-ft. long is, with a coupling, connected to the
length in the ground. A trench is then dug from the ground
pipe to the pole and the extending length of pipe is formed
into the trench and bent up the pole. It can be held thereto

with pipe straps. The top end of the ground pipe will then
be approximately 10 ft. above the earth's surfase as shown.

Obviously, the pipe driven into the earth must be located
at least a couple of feet away from the pole to permit the
turning of the pipe-cutting and threading tools above re-
ferred to.

To effect the connection with the ground wire a brass coup-
ling of essentially the form shown in the picture is turned
on the threaded end of the ground pipe. The copper ground
wire coming down from the top of the pole is then soldered
into the tinned hole provided for its reception in the coup-
ling. It is claimed that an open coupling similar to that
shown is preferable to a cap which encloses the end of the
ground pipe, because an open coupling permits some rain
and moisture to enter the pipe so that it can flow down there-
in and increase the conductivity of the adjacent soil. It is
stated that when the first length of pipe is driven into the
ground a considerable quantity of salt remains with it. This
salt is slowly dissolved by the water which comes down inside
of the pipe.

* * *

WK©t<^^tn©m ®il ©^©hskS Plp@g from

Corrosion may be due to electrolysis resulting from the flow
of current from the metal to the earth; or it may be due to
galvanic action resulting from either foreign substances in the
soil or physical differences between adjacent points on the sur-
face of the metal. Electrolytic corrosion, due principally to
electric street railway, does not appear to be the cause of the
present trouble, unless perhaps the ground rods are connected
to a neutral or common wire carrying current, since no current
can otherwise flow into the earth from the ground rods.

The trouble must therefore be due to self-corrosion. The
action is galvanic, practically the same as occurs in the primary
battery of zinc and carbon. The current flows from the zinc,
through the electrolyte to the carbon. Analysis of the soils
surrounding the ground rods may show that they contain carbon
in some form or another. Coke, ashes, clinkers are often the
cause of serious corrosion troubles. Tests have been carried out
by a number of different parties on this matter and all agree
that an iron rod embedded in a soil containing coke will give
an electromotive force of aboat 0.6 volts, which is, of course,
ample to cause rapid corrosion and integration of the iron.

Without knowing something of the soil, of the corrosion, the
depth to which the rods are sunk and where they corrode, it is
impossible to suggest a remedy that will be a real remedy. Paints
that protect also insulate. In any case the paints usually used
for the protection of underground pipes fail after a short time
of service. Such a remedy, if feasible, would be temporary
only. Were a first class paint available, o e that had low elec-
trical resistivity but high resistivity against corrosion there would
be no guarantee that the coating would not be damaged in
installing the rods. It would be out of the question to drive
them in, the way rods are generally put into the ground.

The only apparent way out of the dilemma appears to be to
determine the properties of the soil, examine very carefully the
corroded rods, noting where and how they have corroded. Some
idea as to the cause might then be possible. If the worst comes
to the worst it may be necessary to replace iron rods by rods of
brass. It might be worth while experimenting with galvanized
pipes, taking care to galvanize them inside and out (by the hot-
dip process).

To make an inexpensive and effective ground, drive an iron
pipe one or two inches in diameter in the ground, not less than
six feet, deeper if possible. Scoop out a basin at the surface of
the earth and surrounding the ground rod, into which pour
about three gallons of brine, more if it is thought that the
rod does not go down to moist earth. Fill the basin partly with
salt crystals and cover with earth. K. R.

ELECTRICAL AGE

April, 1916

Will you kindly explain what is meant by "wattless" alternat-
ing current? J. S.

Ans. — There is no such thing as a "wattless" alternating cur-
rent. It is incorrect to speak of one. What you mean is prob-
ably the wattless component of an alternating current which is
out of phase with the electromotive force that causes it. The
term "wattless" is meant to describe the displaced proportion
of such current and was not a very fortunate choice.

♦ * *

What is the rule for determining the proper size of wire to
be used in winding the field coil and armature of a motor?

H. B. L.

Ans. — The size allowance depends on the shape and area
of the radiating surface of the coil and the arrangements for
ventilation. Usually the allowance for a field coil is about
0.4 watt per square inch of outside surface. In armatures, the
allowance for odinarily high speed machines is about one watt
per square inch of radiating surface of the armature. On a
low speed machine the allowance must be increased.

* <k *

How do you change the number of turns for a 40-cycle,
home-made, low voltage transformer given in the February
issue to do for 60 cycles? H. H. P.

Ans. — To give the same voltage with 60 cycles that the design
gave with 40 cycles will require the number of turns to be reduced
in the ratio 60 to 40. Therefore it will only require two-thirds
the number of turns with 60 cycles that were necessary for 40
cycles — if all the other conditions are the same. The trans-
formers referred to gave 8 volts on open circuited secondary
with 700 primary turns and 40 secondary turns. With 60 cycles
to get the same secondary voltage there would only need to be
two-third of 700, or 467 primary turns, and, similarly the sec-
ondary turns would only need be 27. This illustrates how high-
frequency reduces the size and hence the cost of transformers,
exactly as high speed reduces the size and cost of motors.

4$t <$» <j»

They are talking of replacing arc lamps here with gas-filled
tungstens. Will you tell me the exact candle-power of our arc
light? The current is 6.6 amperes. They call them 1200 candle-
power.

Ans. — The rating of arc lamps has always been rather mis-
leading. An ordinary arc at the current you mention will absorb
about 45 volts or approximately 300 watts. Although commonly
called a "1200 candle-power lamp," the measured candle-power
in the direction of the greatest intensity will be found to be
about 600. Its real efficiency, therefore, would be ^2 watt to
the candle-power. Thus it can be compared with the metal fila-
ment lamp. Y. A. S.
♦♦♦ «£ <f»

(1) Is there any difference between a metric horsepower as
used on the continent of Europe and the ordinary horsepower?

(2) Give the value of watt in ft. lbs. B. A. R.
Ans. — (1) Yes. A small one. The metric horsepower is

equal to 736 watts and the English (or American) horsepower is
equal to very nearly 746 watts.

(2) 1 lb. lifted .72>7 foot (or nearly 9 inches) a second equals
1 watt.

Will you please advise me if a magneto is ever known to
ring through being connected to the two ends of the conductors
at one end of a coil of twisted lamp cord, where the insulation
between the two cords is good? R. B. S.

Ans. — It is well known that a magneto will ring from the
charging current of any circuit containing enough of electro-
static capacity to take sufficient current to ring the bell. With
a sufficiently sensitive magneto and a large enough coil of twist-
ed lamp cord, the magneto would undoubtedly ring.
<$> 4» <$.

In changing a three-phase, three-wire primary circuit to a

two-phase, four-wire secondary is the Scott connection made on
the primary or the secondary side? H. W. P.

Ans. — The "Scott connection" for changing from three-phase
to two-phase, or vice versa, is alway made on the three-phase
side, whether it be primary or secondary. Hence in the given
case it would be made on the primary.

(1) In the February issue you state that about a ton of a
certain coal would run a one-horsepower engine a whole year.
Please explain how you figure this.

(2) Elsewhere in the same issue you gave an item that a
certain plant has averaged 1.47 lbs. of coal per kilowatt-hour for
six months. What is the over-all efficiency of this plant? S. L. E.

Ans. — (1) One horsepower-hour = 2547 B.t.u.

Hence : 1 horsepower-year = 8760 hp-hr. = 2547 X 8760 =

22,311,720 B.t.u.
The amount of energy in a short ton of coalrunning 11,155.86
B.t.u. would be :

2000 X 11,155.86 = 22,311,720 B.t.u.
or 1 horsepower-year as above.
Hence a single short ton of this coal, which has only a fair
heating value, for soft coal, would yield a horsepower-year with
a perfect plant having no losses. The last three figures in the
February item were misprinted. The correct figures are 11,156
B.t.u.

(2) The coal at the plant under discussion was stated to

run 13,606 B.t.u. per lb. ; Now 1 kw-hr. = 3415 B.t.u.
Also, 1 kilowatt-hour made from 1.47 lbs. of coal is equivalent
to 0.68 kilowatt-hour made per pound of coal, and the
total kilowatt-hours in this coal is equivalent to
13,606
= 3-98 kilowatt-hours per pound.

3.415
Therefore the "over-all efficiency of the plant under discussion,
from coal-pile to watthour meter is
0.68

or 17. 1 per cent, nearly.

3-98
Is concentric wiring a new idea? If not, why has it been
so long in getting introduced? P. S.

Ans. — Concentric wiring is practically as old as the ordinary
kind. Twenty years ago it was established in Great Britain
and has been increasingly used there ever since. The backward-
ness of the American people (in some things) is the only rea-
son we can assign. In cheapness of installation and reduced
fire risk it is superior to ordinary wiring.
$ <$ $

Please give me a simple method for determining the number
of lines of force passing at full load between the pole piece of
a motor and the armature. S. M.

Ans. — It is easiest calculated from the relation between the
voltage impressed on the motor and the resulting magnetic field.
Count the number of conductors on the armature and multiply
by the revolutions per second. Divide the voltages at the
brushes by the product and by the result by 100,000,000 and
you have approximately the number of lines of force. The
result is not accurate on account of not having taken into con-
sideration the volts drop in the armature and brushes. It will
be too low.

To get it accurately the voltage at the brushes must be re-
duced by the amount of voltage lost in the machine which
equals the resistance from brush to brush multiplied by the full
current in the armature. The remainder, when this has been
subtracted from the voltage at the brushes is the counter-electro-
motive forces of the motor. This quantity multiplied by 100.-
000,000 and divided by the product of the number of armature
conductors and the revolutions per second will give the actual
number of lines of force.

Ill

.',',:,; iil« !,;,-■ in dlii

ttiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiMiiiiiiiiiiiiiigiiii

^asffamaaftamu tSae Ses^sfc

In the early days, when the pioneers took up the fertile
lands of the Middle West, all they had to do was to "tickle
the prairies with a plow and they laughed a harvest." To-
day these same farms require an investment of millions in
fertilizers — phosphates, nitrogenous stuffs and lime — to get
the same crops that once were to be had for the asking.

Is it not the same way with the long-established cities that
have had an electrical service for years? The present load,
the result of a slow and steady growth, in many of these
places has reached a standstill. Statistics show that the

Electrically Lighted Houses

—Rent First
—Sell First

We Wiil Pay Con-
tractor for Wiring
House for Electric-

"y.

You can pay us in
Monthly Install-
ments with your
lighting bills.

7 Rooms Wiring
Complete for

12 Payments of $3,50 per month

Old House or Now House

This offer

for

90 Days

from

March 15th

Any Electric
Contractor
you select.

-COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT- Phone 4800-

Cumberland County Power £ Light Co.

field is not nearly occupied, the larger proportion of houses,
estimated at approximately So per cent., that remain un-
connected not taking electric service under the conditions
that have hitherto prevailed.

To draw out the latent demand of this section of the
public is recognized as one of the most important problems
now confronting the management of electric service com-
panies. What is more natural than to take a leaf from the
book of the farmers and make use of a "fertilizer" for this
backward soil to induce it to "come across" with what it has
to yield? The two advertisements shown herewith illustrate
a couple of the most promising methods of applying the

necessary stimulant. Deferred payments and premiums arc
the main stock in trade in this work and both are used here.
But, whereas, one offer confines itself exclusively to the
lighting feature of the service, the others offers not only this,
but also its heating and cooling possibilities as exemplified in
the iron and fan.

Therein, we think the latter, particularly when the offer is
made at this season of the year, makes a stronger appeal.
For the greater the variety of the service rendered the wider
will be its field.

rfcric

Dgfff Winny

all

CHOICE OF ANY
ROOM —WIRED
FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT.

•122 DOWN, H* A MONTH

Well put electric light in
any room you say — give
you a two outlet wall
bracket — a 60 watt lamp
— a six pound electric iron
— an electric fan — cord and
plug. Total cost $12.00;

$12? DOWN-? 1 V A MO NTH

This is the most generous offer we have ever made
to non-users of electric lifht. If you are one of
them we urge you to take advantage of it at once.

Kansas City Electric Light Company

»ta Street ami Gam Amm
fahaaa-t UTCnaftf Mm «*«*» S»

Too much stress can hardly be laid on the difference be-
tween, not merely the electric light and its predecessors, but
also on the equally great difference between the old stove-
heated iron and the electric kind; broom and the vacuum
cleaner; the wash-board and the washing machine; the pri-
mitive palm-leaf fan and its electric successor; the limited
human muscle motor and the jack-of-all-trades domestic
motor; and so on down all the long line of domestic elec-
tric utilities.

A vigorous attack by means of forcefully put arguments
along this line, backed up by judicious price concessions to

ELECTRICAL AGE

April, 1916

overcome the initial financial inertia of this class of house-
holder, ought to go a good way toward the reduction of the
abnormally large proportion of the community now living
along the line of the electric service companies who have
not yet seen their way clear to heed the call.

Of course, in putting out premium campaigns of this kind,
the conservative manager will always avoid the not altogether
uncommon error of offering more inducements than the pos-
sible revenues from the field concerned can ever justify.
The scientific farmer always adjusts his expenditure on fer-
tilizers to the capabilities of his soil.

The difficulties attending the operation of a lighting plant for
a community occupied principally by summer residents, were
brought out at a hearing recently at Boston, on a bill to investi-
gate the operation of a Hull (Mass.) municipal plant. Promin-
ent summer residents complained of the high rates prevailing,
the maximum net lighting rate being 20 cents a kilowatt-hour.

Thomas H. Bittimer, town counsel, pointed out that the plant
has to be maintained the year round for about three months'
operation at anything near capacity. Earnings for March, 1915,
were only $1,065, while for August they were $12,930. During
the summer the town has about 25,000 inhabitants, and 25,000
more daily visit Nantasket Beach resorts, which are lighted by
the town plant. The months of July and August are the peak-
load time of the plant, the load falling off prec'pitously after
Labor Day.

That the 20-cent rate is not an exhorbitant one is evidenced
by the fact that like resorts have an even higher rate than Hull.
The summer lighting rate at Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass., is
25 cents a kilowatt-hour.

The Hull municipal department has lately made a ten-year
contract with the Weymouth Light & Power Co., by which a
reduction in the cost of current, over the cost of generating it
at the town's steam plant, will be brought about, resulting in
an expected reduction of about 15% in both winter and summer
rates. The former is now 15 cents.

The Successful Store— How the Dealer Can Profit by Mod-
ern Merchandising Methods

By William F. Leggett

From the angle at which business is viewed today we know
that neither the captain of industry of this generation, nor the
merchant prince of yesterday were children of fortune, or
freaks of accident- — nor anything more wonderful than men
who studiously observed conditions and moulded their busi-
ness practice to extract the most profit out of them. They
were the masters who eliminated the everlasting query from
the profit and loss account and who first learned that a busi-
ness structure which would outlive hurtful competition, could
not be erected on uncertainty. They studied retail prob-
lems of their business, throwing aside every vestige of guess-
work, and grasped the fundamental factors whether or not
it led them outside the boundary of familiar routine.

Not every dealer in electrical supplies appreciates that his
store registers an impression on the mind of each customer,
nor does he fully realize how very sensitive customers are
to those impressions. Untidy counters, broken containers,
spineless salesmen, unkempt windows — all these repel cus-
tomers, and proclaim your store in a manner which requires
no further publicity, except by the creditors' committee. In
a similar way, the successful store becomes a momentum
in itself, its growth being in direct proportion to an in-

telligent appeal for patronage, for trade will be just as re-
sponsive as you make it. Mark that well! ! !

When you are making the daily rounds, spend a little more
time in the store, for here occur the intimate relations with
your customers which decide either the success or failure of
your efforts. However accomodating your sales force may
be, however courteously your credit manager solicits set-
tlement, they are not items of primary importance to your
customers. Your shelves and show cases are the deciding
factors, and if these are inflexible and unresponsive, you fail
to extract the full extent of a customer's purchasing power,
and limit their capacity to deal with you. The normal elec-
trical store is serving the professional wireman and contrac-
tor, exclusively, and finds this business profitable, although
competition is keen and profits small. In compensation it
is claimed that each customer knows what he wants — pur-
chases it, and leaves, requiring rather the attention of a por-
ter or stock clerk; no one except the salesman. If your
store is restricted to this class of trade, however profitable,
you are not commanding the full extent of the public's pur-
chasing power, .for there has entered a buying factor with
which you are unfamiliar, and whose patronage you should
cultivate.

Catching the Housewife's Eye — and Ear

Do not doubt that the housewife is keeping abreast of the
times, and has become familiar with the slogan "Do It Elec-
trically." She has informed herself of the many inexpensive
devices which eliminate the drudgery from housework, and
increase efficiency in her sphere. She is rapidly absorbing the
advertising appeals made by manufacturers of electrical sup-
plies, in the nationally circulated periodicals which reach the
home, and some day or other, will surely seek information
from you — or some other dealer — about the merits of an ad-
vertised article which she wishes to purchase. You should
anticipate her demands by making your stock responsive
to her call, and earn for yourself the name of being a ne-
cessity in your community. Remember that each time you
are unable to satisfy a customer, dollars walk out of your
door — more dollars than are involved in the immediate tran-
saction, for you have created an unfavorable impression in
the mind of your customer.

Every successful business is based upon service, and the
dealer who profits most is the one who serves the best. In-
clude in your stock the newly advertised articles of merit,
and then watch the growth of your business. Do not re-
strict your stock flexibility to the articles which are called
for from day to day, for you must remember that if each cus-
tomer waited to buy until in actual need of material, sales
would be few, and business vigil long and lonely, for the
average buyer requires very little. Make it easy to buy, and
follow this rule closely. Place in your stock those electrical
devices which make, house work pleasanter which give each
day, an additional hour or two of leisure, and which renders
the housewife more independent of the transitory servant.
The average woman will not be unresponsive to arguments
like these. You will not have to educate her to purchase,
for each device has been thoroughly advertised in the var-
ious periodicals which reach the home, and their use ex-
plained, and at the same time there has been eradicated the
impression that electricity is a luxury. In this way, and en-
tirely without expense to you, there has been created a de-
mand for electrical household helps, and a new field of profit
is presented to those dealers who will improve the opportun-
ity.

Progressiveness is not only looking, but moving, forward.
Broaden your business horizon to include the house wife's
every call for freedom from drudgery. Be one to serve, or
some day a lively competitor will adopt the methods you
now decline, and will replace you in the estimate of the pub-
lic, as a successful retail dealer,

April, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

Poster C©2Mip©tfiti:t®ia 2©? Amsffilssi's
I^lsc5tifffl<sa]l W®A

The Society for Electrical Development, Inc.
By John A. Randolph,

To visualize the supremacy of electricity as a motive force in
the world of industry and commerce, a pictorial design is
sought by the Society for Electrical Development, 29 West 39th
Street, New York. It is to be reproduced upon pasters, in press
advertisements, on circulars, banners, letterheads, cards, in fold-
ers and booklets to be used in connection with "America's Elec-
trical Week," the nation-wide trade movement to be held by the
United Electrical interests from December 2nd to 9th. The
aggregate circulation of the design will amount to hundreds of
thousands.

In order to make the range of selection as broad as possible,
the society has instituted a poster competition to open on April
1st and close June 1st, 1916.

In bringing any movement, undertaking or enterprise to the
attention of the people by means of printed matter there is
nothing more effective than illustrations. A well selected and
clearly cut picture will always arrest the attention and drive
home its underlying thought. The appeal of a picture is instant.
The mind grasps its meaning without effort, often involuntarily.
For this reason illustrations generally add fifty per cent, or
more to the effectiveness of printed matter.

For a trade campaign of the nature of "America's Electrical
Week" it is of paramount importance that a common design be
used on all the publicity matter. It may consist of an emblem,
a symbol, an ensign or of a symbollical picture but it should
be the same on all literature sent out. The reason for this is
repetition. A person confronted by the design day after day
■in the advertising pages and news columns of the press, on letter-
heads, on booklets, circulars and posters cannot fail to have
the importance of the movement gradually impressed firmly
upon his mind.

He may not take time to read the literature, but he cannot
fail to see the design and grasp its meaning.

In the "Electrical Prosperity Week" celebration of last year
probably no one element contributed more toward the remark-
able success of that great campaign than the "Goddess Electra"
emblem of the movement which, through its reproduction in
the press of the country in addition to its appearance upon the
special publicity matter issued by the Society for Electrical De-
velopment, was highly instrumental in bringing the movement
to the attention of nearly every citzen of the United States. In
many newspapers and magazines, the design occupied an entire
page. Its appeal was strong, its underlying thought readily
apparent.

In the coming poster competition, the society seeks a design
equally as strong for the movement of next December which, in
view of the prestige created by last year's celebration, promises
to surpass the latter in popularity, magnitude and sales results.

Selecting of the Theme

The selection of the pictorial theme is left entirely to the
artist as the poster committee wishes in no wise to hamper the
creative character of the poster. However, as the poster is to
be used in a celebration of the part which electricity plays in
social and industrial progress, the committee aims to bring
forth the design which will portray, in the strongest and most
forcible manner, the benefits of electric light, heat and power.

Prizes

The prizes and designations are as follows :
A $1,000 Grand Prize.
B $300 Second Prize.

C $300 Public Choice Prize.
D $200 Art Students' Prize.
E $200 School Prizes.

Definitions of Classes

A — All artists, designers, instructors, and persons engaged in
the profession of graphic arts are eligible for the Grand, Second
and Public Choice Prizes, provided they comply with the condi-
tions of the competition.

B — The Art Student's Prize is open to students regularly at-
tending any school of design, art academy or institutions where
poster art is a subject of instruction.

All designs entered for the Art Students' Prize will also be
eligible for the Grand Prize, Second Prize and Public Choice
Prize.

C — The School Prizes are divided into the following prizes :
$100 for the first prize ; $50 for the second prize ; $25 for the
third prize; $15 for the fourth prize and $10 for the fifth prize.
These are open to pupils of high schools, public schools, private
schools, parochial schools, seminaries or academies, or to any
pupil regularly attending any institution of learning which in-
cludes in its course the art of drawing or design in any of its
branches.

All designs entered for the School Prize are eligible for the
Grand Prize, Second Prize and Public Choice Prize.

Enclosed in the identification envelope which accompanies
each design competing for prizes under class B or C must be a
certificate signed by the principal of the school stating that the
competitor was regularly attending the institution in question
on the date upon which the competition opens.

Certain conditions, rules and requirements must be complied
with by all competitors. A copy of these can be secured from
the Society for Electrical Development.
Judges

The judges who will determine the successful designs and
award the prizes are as follows :

Mr. John Quincy Adams, Secretary, Municipal Art Commis-
sions.

Dr. James P. Haney, Art Director of New York High Schools.

Mr. Arthur M. Wiener, President, International Art Service.

Mr. Herbert F. Houston, President, Associated Advertising
Clubs of the World.

Mr. P. L. Thomson, Advertising Manager, Western Electric
Company.

Mr. Henry L. Doherty, President, The Society for Electrical
Development, Inc.

Purchase of Design

The leading electric companies are continually purchasing at-
tractive art designs to further their advertising campaigns, so
that it is likely that many of the designs entered in the compe-
tition will be secured by members of the society as permanent
designs for individual concerns.

The Poster Committee expressly aims to assist in the sale of
these designs at the prices fixed by the artists in submitting
their designs.

Each competitor therefore is required to set a fair market
price upon his original, to the end that the society may enable
to afford its best assistance to the artists in disposing, at the
prices stated, of as many of the designs as possible.

A well-known New York jewelry firm sold the last of
their horses seven years ago as a result of several years ex-
perience previous to that date with electric delivery wagons
bought in 1902. To-day seventeen out of the nineteen elec-
trics are over ten years old, and although their i-ton panel
wagons weigh 1,600 lbs. more than the same capacity wagons
built to-day by the same manufacturers, they are getting the
required mileage out of the veterans at a satisfactory cost.

One ton of tungsten is said to make eighteen million in-
candescent lamp filaments.

ELECTRICAL AGE

April, 1916

Account of an Effort to Short-Circuit Him and its Results

A Bit of Current Trade History

By J. W. Wooley

There has been a great deal of discussion and comment,
favorable and otherwise, aroused amongst central station
companies and telephone companies concerning the policy of
certain electric manufacturing companies in marketing their
entire product through the legitimate electrical jobber.

Up to about two years ago a well known manufacturer
in the Middle West sold their product to both the jobber and
the consumer — with plenty of accent on the latter. Many
features developed which were unsatisfactory both to the
consumer and to the company, and the latter felt that some
remedy was imperative.

"It was out of the question," said the sales manager of
the company, who was asked to make an explanation of their
policy, "to attempt to raise prices to the consumer and to care
for the crying need for 'service,' and as a result we had to
devise a better method.

"To convince the consumer that we are familiar with both
sides of this discussion, I want to say that we made a thor-
ough and detailed study of the question. Amongst other
things we found that the average amount of an order from
an operating company was only a small fraction of the
amount of an order from a jobber, but that the cost of filling
each order was the same. While a little time could be
saved in assembling the smaller amount of tools listed on an
order from an operating company, the saving was lost in the
increased ratio of cost of special packing cases, etc.

"A large percentage of these orders, came to us from oper-
ating companies that did not have a copy of our catalogue,
and therefore did not have our catalogue numbers available.
This necessitated further correspondence to ascertain just
what the company required and therefore long delays in
shipment.

"Orders for only 80 to 90 lbs. of tools came to us from com-
panies 2000 miles distant from our factory. This meant an
immense freight item in view of the fact that the weight of
these small orders would not even come close to making up
the weight allowed under the minimum freight charge. In-
vestigation of several hundred orders showed that an average
of 12 per cent, on the total cost of the tools could have been
saved by the consumer had he been able to specify enough
tools to make up the minimum required by the transporta-
tion companies.

"On these orders the matter of 'delivery' time was ascer-
tained and it was found that the average time from date of
shipment to delivery was nine days, an item of considerable
expense to the operating company in 'delay.'

"We were, as a rule, so far away from the operating com-
pany that no accurate credit rating could be obtained. We,
of course, used their standard rating books but we found
them oft' times unable to do justice to either the operating
company, or to us, in view of the fact that the ratings shown
were frequently those made a year previous. Many times no
rating was shown.

Objections to Special Reports

"Special reports were out of the question for two reasons:

"1st — The small amount involved would not warrant the
expense and

"2nd — The delay while securing this report.

As a result of our not being able to handle these 'credits'
satisfactorily a considerable amount was charged off to profit and
loss. A large percentage of this could undoubtedly have been
recovered by suit but here again the small individual amount
involved precluded the possibility of such action.

"After all was said and done, the one great underlying ob-
jection to selling or marketing tools direct was the lack of
'service.'

"A very large percentage of tool requirements are for emer-
gency work and in any event owing to the relatively small
amount of tools used in comparison to such other items as
poles, pole line hardware, and so forth less consideration is
given this matter by the storekeeper than on items of which
large amounts are required. As a result tool requirements
are not specified until the supply is exhausted and 'service'
is imperative.

"For these reasons the desired 'service' cannot be obtained
from the average manufacturer.

"What about the 'economic' side of this problem?" was
asked.

"Our experience in the last two years," said the sales
manager, "has been that we can sell tools to the jobber, who
will maintain a large and representative stock, and arrange
a fair profit for him and still deliver the tools to the operat-
ing company at lower prices than we would have to charge
if we sold them direct.

"By selling the jobber, our line is exploited by all his
traveling salesmen at a small fraction of what it would cost
us to do the same work. It is self evident that the selling
cost whatever it is, must be paid for by the consumer.

"The jobber's salesman will call at least four times to the
manufacturer's once. Being in close personal touch with the
consumer the jobber's salesman has many friendships among
the trade. He knows when to sell and when not to sell and
for him to solicit an order for his jobbing house is in many
cases equivalent to securing it. He has made a close and
careful study of his particular territory, and it being local in
scope, he is enabled to save time and money that the manu-
facturer could never hope to. He has not only one line to
sell but probably hundreds of others and his selling cost is
so prorated among these lines that as a result he is enabled
to call on his trade oftener and sell more and at a far less
expense than had he the one line to exploit.

"Now why can we arrange our prices to the jobber so that
he can sell goods to the consumer cheaper than we can sell
them to him direct, to say nothing of the saving on the short-
er less than carload freight haul? Let us summarize:

"1st. — Our selling expense outside of advertising is prac-
tically nothing.

"2nd. — The jobber can and does pack tools for shipment
along with many other items of which the manufacturer has
never even heard. The packing and shipping charge is di-
vided between several items and the item of tools is only a
small proportion of the whole.

"3rd. — We have no credit losses.

"These three items about cover the economic side of this
proposition. Call the jobber a necessary evil if you wish, but
the fact still remains that we could not market our tools to
the ultimate consumer were it not for this very same jobber
who minimizes our selling costs and takes all our credit risks.

A Case in Point

"When we make this statement we recall to mind the case
of a prominent electrical manufacturing concern which was
organized to manufacture a certain line of switches and elec-
trical specialties — now sold extensively through the jobbers.

"At the outset this electrical concern felt they could, by
eliminating the jobber, more advantageously market their
goods to the user. They failed to see how the jobber who
neither made the goods nor used them had a right to exist
on the products of others.

April, 1916

K L E C T R I C A L AGE

"Just about the time that factory began to sell their product
direct to the consumer they found to their great dismay that
their marketing conclusion had been wrong. After inter-
viewing various jobbers on the subject they learned the sev-
eral facts which have since made this same concern a power
in the electrical world.

"For instance, they found that the jobbers were in busi-
ness to sell goods; that the jobbers made no goods whatever;
did not know how to make goods; nor did they want to
know; that they devoted their entire energies to the sale of
merchandise. They found that the jobber had made a study
of and had built up an organization based on many years of
experience; that the concern which devoted its time to min-
imizing the troubles and expense of selling goods, had not
time to cope with the problems incidental to their manufac-
ture and that the factory which has succeeded in manufac-
turing an article successfully and economically has solved all
the difficulties it should be troubled with and that it is more
profitable to leave the marketing of that article to concerns
which know how to market it better than the manufacturer
ever will.

"The company referred to learned that by marketing their
product through the jobber it would not cost them one penny
for anything that did not sell and that it would cost them only
a very small percentage of the price on what was sold.

"Had the company properly considered in the beginning
what it was going to cost them to market their product di-
rect— as they had contemplated — they would have known
that they would need an army of salesmen which would cost
them in salaries alone an amount that would be appalling,
to say nothing of other incidental expenses, all of which
would have to come out of the sales of their one line alone.
And not only that, the expense would be on what they did
not sell as well as on what they did sell.

"All of these things were learned by bitter experience and
they have so revised their selling methods as to eliminate
all of these troublesome items and turn the practical end of
the marketing of their product over to highly trained and
expert sales organizations maintained by the legitimate elec-
trical jobber and in this way have been enabled to dispose of
their product to the ultimate consumer at a far less price
than had they continued their original method of selling di-
rect.

"We do not know of a better illustration of the fact that the
middleman or jobber is an economic necessity, especially in
the electrical supply business.

"But putting aside all questions of an economic nature and
getting down to the fundamental reason for the jobber's
existence we come back to the one word 'service.' The job-
ber combs the country for standard electrical merchandise,
buys it in the right market and maintains immense stocks in
his warehouses for immediate shipment to his customers and
can as a rule deliver material to them in an average time of
two days. That's what counts in these 'high pressure' days.

Specializing on the electric coffee percolator the advertise-
ment shown herewith is reported as having produced good
results in a famous Southern pleasure resort.

This is an example of focusing an advertisement on one
feature of service, and when followed up each day or week by
shifting to another feature often gives better rsults than the
type of advertisement that attempts to present a large num-
ber of different service features at the same time. Experi-
ence alone will demonstrate which form of advertisment is
best adapted to needs of a given community.

In this "ad" the scheme is a recital of the real (and imag-
inary) woes of breakfast getting under the old way; and then,
when the picture has been made as dark as possible, the light
of the electric method is switched on full blaze.

How To Make Good Coffee-

The Old Way

t>:00 A..M.— Get upjn a hurry.

6:10 A.M.— Run to the wood shed for an armful of wood.

0:15 A. M.-r-Skip out once more for a scuttle of coal.

6:20 A. M. — Place the kindling in the stove, then the wood,
then the coal, and apply match to kindling. If it
fails to burn, take everything out and carefully
reset and relight,

6:30 A, M. — Wasli your hands and dust your clothes.

6:35 A. M.— Pill the coffee pot with water and coffee in suffi-
cient quantities and set on stove.

7:00 A. Mi— The stove is getting hot and so are you. Don't
worry

7:30 A. M.— A cheerful (?) voice from the dining room calls:
"Well, any time today for that coffee"

The New Way

Set the ELECTRIC PERCOLATOR, already attached to the
house wires, on the table. Then a, "Twitch of the Switch" and
Electricity does the rest.

■ This starts the day right. No dirt. No -work. No worry.
No screwed up face. No wrinkles. No burned hands. No
harsh words. But plenty of good coffee and. just think, seven
cups of coffee for l'/2 cents worth, of electricity.

Buy in Hot Springs

Citizens Electric Company

"Do It Electrically"

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ifoty Ftofts

The central safety department of one of the large holding
companies has been waging a novel campaign, directed par-
ticularly to children. The method used has been to issue
a sticker that could be affixed to customers' bills. This
sticker contains advice against inviting accidents, particu-
larly applicable to children, such as playing with line wires
and other pastimes to which juveniles are prone.

One company liked the idea so well that a requisition was
made for 75,000 stickers, which rather upset the safety de-
partment calculations although the order was filled in time.
A sample of the sticker as used by the Toledo Railways &
Light Company is reproduced below:

HELP US TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS

Be Careful First
Let The Children Help Also

Don't touch any wire in the street or hanging from

a tree or pole.
Don't touch or swing on a street lamp rope.
Don't touch or attempt to fix street lamps; notify

the electric company.
Don't climb poles or street towers on which there

are wires.
Don't stand under a pole or a tower where linemen

are working.
Don't fasten clothes lines or any wires to electric

light or telephone poles or towers.
Don't have your hands wet or on any metal in the

bathroom when you turn the lights on or

off.
Don't go near man holes or trenches in the street

even though there are guard rails around

them.
Don't throw string or rope over wires.

THE TOLEDO RAILWAYS & LIGHT CO.

ELECTRICAL AGE

April, 191 6

How the Question of Getting Better Help is Being Solved

in one Middle Western City. Spreading

Throughout the Country.

By C. D. Crain, Jr.

Louisville, Ky., electrical contractors, as well as other
members of the trade, are watching with much interest the
innovation which has been introduced in connection with
the prevocational school there, involving teaching electric
wiring to boys attending the school. This is the first time
in the history of the schools of that city that electrical work
of this kind has been regarded as deserving a place in the
educational system.

The prevocation school itself is something of a new idea.
Louis A. Bacon, who is in charge of his work in Louisville,
describes it as an "apprentice trade school;" that is, the boys
are turned out ready to learn the trade by reason of the prac-
tical training in it that they have already received. An idea
of the practical character of the work is suggested by the
fact that printing, bookbinding, woodworking and other vo-
cations in which there is a steady demand for skilled labor
are being taught, the whole object being to enable the boy
to find out what he can do best, and then give him some
practical knowledge of the subject.

The prevocational school, as an institution, is comparative-
ly young. Such schools are being conducted in a number of
cities, including Boston, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, Rochester
and Louisville, and the idea is growing. The basis of the
school is the fact that the great majority of boys and girls
are forced to leave the ward schools before reaching the age
of fourteen. The prevocational school would take the young-
sters who cannot complete the regular school courses, give
them an opportunity to learn something practical, and start
them out to earn a living with an equipment molded to the
needs of the individual boy or girl.

The things which determine the nature of the course to be
taught include these:

The demand for remuneration of labor in the field.

The character of the work, whether comparatively simple
or extremely technical.

The demand on the part of students for the instruction.

Woodworking is a "manual training" course nearly every-
where, but the fact that it was adopted for prevocational
training in the Louisville school had nothing to do with the
manual training feature. The latter is undertaken for general
educational and cultural purposes, while the prevocational in-
stitution teaches nothing that is not immediately practical
and useful. Electric wiring was considered on this basis, and
was adopted for the reason that there is a big demand for
trained mechanics in the electrical contracting field, and be-
cause boys with a good rudimentary knowledge of the busi-
ness could easily get positions which would soon pay them
unusually good wages, relatively speaking.

Showing the popularity of the work among the students,
twenty-four out of the eighty enrolled are taking the course.
The eighty include a number of girls, who are not eligible
to instruction in wiring, so that the proportion of boys is
much larger. The boys have taken hold of the course, ac-
cording to Mr. Bacon, like the proverbial ducks to water, and
are rapidly grasping the essential features.

Lighting and bell-wiring have been the subjects taught thus
far, with special attention to insulation, connections and
switches. Later on telephone wiring will be taught. Roy
Bridgewater, a journeyman heretofore employed by a Louis-
ville concern, is teaching the course, and is giving the bene-
fits of his practical experience to the boys under him. Mr.
Bridgewater is teaching the installations according to the
methods prescribed by the National Code, and believes that

the apprentices he turns out will be able to put in a simple
wiring installation that will pass the inspectors.

The employers in the defferent lines covered by the school
are taking great interest in the work. The employing print-
ers, for instance, furnished a good deal of equipment used
in the school last year, and a number of them visited the in-
stitution and made talks on the practical phases of the work.
The electrical contractors will be asked to supply similar
co-operation in the near future, and there is every reason to
believe that they will do everything in their power to assist
the school to train electricians who will be a credit to the
trade.

The prevocational school was started in Louisville last
year, so that this is only the second year that it has been in
operation. The electric wiring course was not put on until
the current term, but the practical character of the work led
to the inclusion of the subject by Mr. Bacon at the first op-
portunity. Last year a portion of a school building at Seven-
teenth and Madison streets was used, but the popularity of
the prevocational "courses was such that larger quarters were
provided in the Board of Education's administration build-
ing at Eighth and Chestnut streets, where there is plenty of
room to grow.

Some of the advantages of prevocational training to the
children are described as follows:

"They have learned that accuracy is the first requirement
for business.

"They have learned that a mistake means a financial loss
to the shop.

"They have grasped the principle of team-work.

"They know that obedience, combined with iniative, spells
business success.

"Since the apprentice system is obsolete, these principles
are not ordinarily included by a child in a real shop. Real
shops are not open in skilled work to an applicant under the
age of sixteen. They are too busy turning out products to
foster the development of the young workman.

"While business methods are being installed, the children
are also unconsciously learning good English, correct spell-
ing, punctuation and paragraphing.

"When the class began a reading lesson on Transportation,
these words were written on the blackboard: Efficiency,
Saving of Time, Improvement of Product, Prevention of
Waste.

"For a few moments the class discussed what division of
labor meant in their own shop; why such division meant for
efficiency, the saving of time, the improvement of the product
and the prevention of waste. Then the children read about
the world's products. They went to the globe and saw how
far many products were carried to their markets. Why did
this pay? It took the class but little time to decide that it
paid because the best product, the greatest time saver, the
least waste, were the result of a division of labor where each
section exported what it could raise best, and imported what
someone else could most cheaply produce."

Combining primary studies of economics with practical
training of the kind indicated certainly strengthens the boy
who is almost ready to step out into the business world in
the places where he is usually weakest. And the electrical
contractor who has attempted to train boys for his work with
indifferent success ought to be able to use a few graduates of
prevocational courses, for they would not only have mastered
the fundamentals of the business, but would have been pre-'
pared mentally to continue the work along the proper lines.

In fact, the hap-hazard, chance method of taking on the
labor required in electrical contracting that has prevailed too
largely in the past, has been a heavy burden on the contract-
ing industry, and it is well for both, contractor and employe
that these steps are now being taken to end this needless
element of risk.

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The Names of Manufacturers not appearing in this Section will be gladly supplied on Request

Manufacturers of small specialties — in fact, any manufac-
turers who are working up small parts — will be interested in
a small, high-speed sensitive drill that has been brought out
out by a western electric specialty manufacturer. This bench
drill is motor-driven, direct-connected, and is equipped with
"S. K. F." ball bearings and a 13/64 Jacobs chuck and has ca-
pacity in steel of from o to 3/32 brass, aluminum and wood
o to 13/64.

Motor-Driven Sensitive Drill

The machine stands 18 in. high and has a 2 in. stroke.
The motor and bracket can be readily raised or lowered
on the main column. The motor overhangs sufficiently to
enable the operator to drill in the center of a 6 in. circle.
The drill is extremely accurate and small holes can be drilled
with great rapidity. It will be found a handy and time-
saving tool for all light and accurate drilling work.

A recent improvement in storage batteries for electric
pleasure and commercial vehicles, storage-battery mine loco-
motives and industrial trucks consists of an air-tight cell
cover and filling-plug construction, which, the manufacturer
declares, have many new and distinct advantages. The cover
is made flush with the jar, leaving no space for the collection
of moisture or dust or other impurities. The filling plug
limits the amount of water than can be put into a cell to the
exact amount needed to replace that lost by evaporation.

The result is said to be a clean, dry and attractive battery
with the liability of short-circuiting, rotting of battery trays
or corrosion of metal parts eliminated. The cover is fastened
around the cell terminals by special sealing nuts which are
threaded to the terminals, and the rubber washers used in
connection with the sealing nuts make air-tight joints. The

Cross Section of Cover Showing Plug Removed

cover and filling-plug of the type described above have al-
read been employed in hundreds of thousands of automo-
bile-starting batteries, where they have proved very success-
ful. They are being used in connection with batteries that
have been furnished to the United States government for
modern submarines.

Travelers in these days of crowded hotels often have to put
up in stuffy rooms where lack of ventilation may prevent a
good night's sleep. As they need the benefits of rest as much
as other folks, in order to meet this demand, a metropolitan
specialty company has devised a compact, light-weight elec-
tric fan that can be readily packed in a grip and carried along
on the journey. This fan is called the "Little Giant," on ac-
count of its power in comparison with its size and weight.

Little Gianf Travelers' Fan

Complete with cord and plug it weighs 2.5 pounds. Its blades
are 4.5 inches in diameter. It has a universal motor suitable
for connection on any lighting circuit of from no to 130
volts. The fan is nicely finished and well built. It has speed
adjustment, giving ready control of the breeze. Although
designed especially for traveling use, it also serves admirably
in small confined inclosures, or in providing just enough
breeze for one person.

ELECTRICAL AGE

April, 1916

The new line of fittings for concentric wiring that the
General Electric Company, Schnectady, N. Y., has been de-
vising has been placed on the market. It has been gotten
up along the lines indicated by the committee of the National
Board of Fire Underwriters which has had the subject of
concentric wiring under consideration for some time.

The line comprises cut-outs, junction boxes, snap switches,
sub-bases, key and keyless receptacles, polarity caps, fused
and fuseless rosettes, sockets, clamps, and tools, some of which
are illustrated as shown.

These fittings have been developed for use on single cir-
cuits or 660-watt circuits in the wiring of existing buildings.
Data compiled by the committee on wiring of the N. E. L.
A. indicate, the manufacturer points out, that there are in al-
most every city numbers of small houses which the owners
will not have wired because all of the standard forms of
wiring are more or less expensive and, with the present
methods of wiring, it is necessary to disturb the wall decora-
tions, more or less, in order to obtain neat installations. The
concentric wire is installed directly on the surface of the wall
and can be covered with paint or paper.

The fittings are arranged so that the joints can be quickly
and well made by expert wiremen and are designed so that
the grounded sheath is continuous throughout the system.
Because of the possibility of injuring the rubber insulation
on the wire, the use of solder for jointing conductors is con-
sidered inadvisable. It is, of course, necessary that the outer
sheath be carefully grounded at the service switch so that the
whole system will be thoroughly grounded.

In the accompanying illustrations are shown various types
of surface devices which will be most generally used in the
smaller and more inexpensive houses. Flush switches and
flush plug receptacles, however, are also being developed for
use with concentric wire. The manufacturer also directs at-
tention to the fact that concentric-wiring systems can be in-
stalled only with special permits from local insurance or
municipal inspection bureaus.

The list prices range from 1 cents for supporting claims to
$1.10 for a combined three-wire, two circuit switch and plug
cut-out. All these parts have a standard catalog number and
are sold in standard packages of 100 each, with the exception
of the clamps, which are sold in lots of 500 each.

Sample of Concentric Wire

The wire shown herewith has for its inner conductor a No.
14 B. & S. single-braided, rubber-insulated solid wire, Nation-
al Electric Code standard. The wire is primarily an inner
conductor surrounded by an insulating wall and jacketed
over all with a closed tinned-sheet-copper sheath, folded
longitudinally around the wire with a full lap giving uniform
and double thicknesses.

The tinned sheath is soldered where it laps so that it forms
a continuous water-tight and gas-tight jacket, having a con-
ductivity and carrying capacity in excess of No. 12 B. &. S.
The finished wire measures 0.22 in. over all.

Three-way

branch

block

Four-way

branch

block

Junction box
Inside Corner

Showing appearance of exposed concentric wiring

April, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

Combined Switch and Plug cut-out, three-wire, two-circuit; out-
side corner junction-box and junction-box for snap switch
circuit.

Bases for Lighting Fixtures Receptacles and Rosettes

Bending Tool and Clamp

Receptacles and Rosettes

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The extent and complication of up-to-date sign lighting
■control is well illustrated in the view of an apparatus for this
purpose recently completed for a prominent sign company
in Havana, Cuba, by a Chicago firm.

The switching apparatus consists of 76 individual switches,
controlling a like number of circuits in four monograms,
flashing on the time of day or night. The gearing in itself
is very intricate inasmuch as there are numerous cams, one-
tooth gears and Geneva movements, as it is necessary to re-
volve the lower cylinder once every minute, the middle
cylinder once every hour and the top cylinder once every 12
hours; accurate timing gears are therefore essential and this
mechanism is built so that it will not vary a fractional part of
a second. One of the two switches on the right, next to the
gear housing, controls the relay, which in turn is controlled
by the master clock; the other switch controls the motor
circuit, the latter starting and stopping once every 60 seconds,
thus making the motor duty extremely severe.

Pliers for Cutting and Stripping Concentric Wire

out or starting switch, and while the windings consist of both
starting and running coils, in order to eliminate any possible
switch trouble due to the frequency of starting and stopping,
the stator was wound so that no internal starting switch was
required on the winding circuit. The starting torque of the
motor was not affected by this change and there was no "arc"
or "flash" caused by the opening of the ordinary centrifugal
acting switch.

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A substantial porcelain socket of the "Mogul" type with an
iron yoke for attachment to pipe or rods for outside or
similar work, has been recently brought out by a well-known
New England manufacturer.

The yoke is tapped for 3^-in., 1.5-in. or 0.75-in. pipe or rod
as desired. The design of the yoke permits ample room for
the conductors to be strung from the socket to the feed wires
instead of drawing them through conduit or the supporting
arm of the fixture. Conductors can be easily attached to

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Porcelain Socket with
Iron Yoke

Clock Control Switch Mechanism

The entire mechanism is built specially for this work and
represents an unusual engineering feat.

Particular attention is drawn to the motor, which is also
specially desinged on account of the peculiarity of duty. It
is of the 220-volt single phase induction type, 1/16 h.p. Con-
trary to precedent, the motor is constructed without a cut-

large-head binding screws and led through an opening in the
top of the porcelain, thence diverging to either side of the
iron bracket for attachment to the feeder.

Sockets of the type shown are also considered desirable
for use in inclosed work, since the convenience in wiring and
the ease of attachment reduce assembling and wiring costs.

ELECTRICAL AGE

April, 1916

Since electric power is so generally used in shops and in
factories any means that permits maintaining power on an im-
portant motor is of value in keeping the shop in operation when
breakdowns occur in the supply circuits or auxiliary aparatus.
In taking a meter reading of the power input to a particular
motor or other circuit it is also desirable to have available
means for making the connection to the meter quickly and with-
out disturbing the wiring.

These two objects were kept in mind in designing a line ot
power and meter connectors which has recently been placed on
the market by the Electrical Engineering and Equipment Com-
pany, Wells Building, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. These connectors
were invented by Lewis C. Roberson after many years of study
of shop conditions and of the requirements for a connector
suitable for emergency or temporary circuit connections. It
can be used for connecting wires ranging from No. 14 to No. 6
and includes a fuse of the cartridge type carrying up to 30
amperes. Other connectors are made for heavier capacities,
ranging up to 400 amperes.

tYPEV

Fig. 1. — Jaw Type

TYPE "J"

Fig. 2. — Plug Type

The construction of this type of connector is made clear in
Fig. 1. It consists of an insulating handle with a separately
controlled bushing at is bottom and an insulating head provided
with a jaw-like opening. The insulated jumper wire or cable
is placed into the lower part of the connector bushing at the
bottom, the wire being held in place by the two set screws ; it
is not necessary to remove the insulation from the wire be-
cause on driving the set screws down tightly they will cut
through the insulation and engage the conductor itself, at the
same time firmly holding the wire in place. The current passes
from these set screws through a movable stem that extends
through the locknut between the bushing and the handle and
connects with an L-shaped contact secured to the lower fuse
clip. A standard cartridge-type Code fuse is placed between
the fuse clips. From the upper one of these clips the current
•passes through contact and a metallic stem reaching through the
upper part of the handle and through the jaws, connecting with
the barbs or prongs which are arranged to engage the other
cable or jumper; in this case, also, the connection is made with-
out wasting time to skin the wire, the sharp prongs piercing
through the insulation and making rigid electrical and mechan-
ical connection with the wire.

Shown at the right in Fig. 1 is a small cover plate which is
placed over the fuse opening in the handle. On turning the

knurled ring about the groove in this cover plate it is held in
place and the fuse and its clips thoroughly protected. The
body of the connector is made of insulating material and, the
head of the device is made of an insulating compound known as
Thermoplax. Thus the entire connector is protected electrically
and the fuse within it cannot injure the operator in case it
should blow. The entire connection is very quickly made and
serves as a means of restoring power to important circuits in
which the wires may be broken through accident or otherwise.

Another type of connector is shown on Fig. 2, this is designed
particularly to enable meter readings to be taken quickly and
without disconnecting any wires or cables from the cutout. In
order to make a meter connection the fuse is removed from the
cutout clips and placed into the body of the connector between
the standard cartridge fuse clips. A cover, in this case flat, is
placed over this opening to protect the fuse. Thus a standard
fuse is in series between top and bottom.

This type of connector can be used also in connection with
the emergency connector, Fig. I, by removing the fuse in the
body of the latter and placing in its stead the meter attachment
connector as shown in Fig. 2, the fuse being put into the fuse
compartment of meter connector. This enables a meter reading
to be taken on a temporary circuit very quickly. These meter
connectors can be very quickly plugged in and readily removed
without interruption to the circuit.

In a great many instances the value of these connectors has
been proven for making quick connections of a temporary char-
acter or for restoring power to motor circuits after accidental
troubles thereon. They are useful not only for power circuits
but can be employed in lighting systems and for other tem-
porary inside and outside work.

^ajp©ar-IPir@©2 Mg Ming Wmztrnw®

The liability of metal to corrosion where exposed to strong
vapors, gases, active liquids, steam and moisture, as is often
the case in industrial lighting, has led a prominent eastern
concern to perfect a non-corrosive vapor-proof lighting fix-
ture, which is designed for use with nitrogen-filled lamps up
to 100 watts.

Use is made of a strong heavily galvanized cast fitting,,
threaded for half inch conduits, which is securely riveted from
below to a canopy or socket housing, ground formed in one

Vapor Proof Reflector

piece with a 15-inch porcelain enamel steel reflector. As as-
bestos washer is inserted between the two parts to make a
tight joint and prevent abraision in wind stresses. For use
in extra dense and active fumes a solid aluminum casting is
substituted for the galvanized fitting. A screw thread is cut
on the canopy before enameling, and a vaporproof globe with
threaded collar is screwed into the canopy with an asbestos
gasket to seal the joints. A medium screw base porcelain
socket, firmly secured inside the canopy and accessible for wir-
ing completes the fixtures which is claimed to combine sim-
plicity of parts with strong construction and to be absolu-
tely vaporproof.

April, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

A shade-holder designed to slip over the ring at the bot-
tom of any standard socket is the "Ampico," illustrated be-
low. These shade holders are substantially made and are

Improved Shade-Holder

claimed not to bend under the weight of any shade. It can
be attached in an instant and holds firmly under all condi-
tions. It is designed for use in all classes of work where
shades are used.

•{• «g» ♦

'" "ftf*

Electric Riveting Machine and its Product

One of the recent developments is the use of electric power
for heating and upsetting rivets. The demand for a machine
of this type has been created in lines of business using gears
which are riveted together, and other material requiring riv-
eting that is produced in large quantities.

In the electric process, rivets are inserted in the work cold and
placed between the dies of welding machine — the dies are brought
together — the current turned on, which heats the rivets through-
out its entire length in the fraction of a second, and a further
movement of the compression lever upsets the end of the rivet
and causes the rivet to expand in the work, thereby making a
tight and solid joint. No scale is formed because the heat
developed is just exactly the proper amount, and the whole
operation is over before oxidation can take place appreciably.
By applying pressure from the dies upon the protrudiig end
of the rivet, the stock is gradually folded over and pressed
down, obviating the breaking up of the fibrous structure of the
metal and insuring a head of maximum strength. The pressure
being applied just as the heat is developed, also prevents the
cooling of the rivets before the upsetting takes place, which
of course is of obvious advantage.

In the illustration the upper
die or electrode which bears
upon the protruding end of the
rivet, is caused to move up-
ward and downward by the ac-
tion of a toggle joint in the
head of a welder which is op-
erated by a movement of the
hand lever. The leverage there-
by secured is very great, re-
sulting in sufficient force be-
ing exerted to properly upset
the rivet with very little exer-
tion upon the part of the opera-
tor. Current is turned on and
off by a little master switch
operated by a push button in
the end of a lever, which con-
trols the magnetic switch
mounted upon the wall for
handling the current taken by
the welder. The work is in
plain view of the operator at
all times so that he very
quickly learns to judge the
proper heat required and the
exact pressure necessary to se-
cure the best results. The cur-
rent is regulated by the dial
switch shown on the right
hand side of the machine, so
that one machine can handle
quite a range of stock as re-
gards the size and length of
the rivets used. These ma-
chines are provided with ad-
justments for taking up the
wear of the dies, which are re-
newable, and provision is made
for varying the pressure applied.

The cost for current for upsetting J4 inch rivets, is two cents
per 1000, and 5-16 inch rivets, four cents per 1000, based on cur-
rent costing one cent per kilowatt hour. One man can do from
three to five times as much work per day when heading rivets
by this process, than can be done by the pneumatic method, or
similar methods of riveting. The cheapest labor can be employ-
ed as no skill is required when operating one of these machines.
It's the clean, quick and silent method of riveting.

ELECTRICAL AGE

April, 191 6

METHOD OF TREATING METALS

In place of working or heating metals in the usual way to
change the molecular structure or grain, Mr. Frederic L. Bish-
op, of Pittsburgh, Pa., in a patent issued to him on February
15th, 1916, describes a method of annealing, tempering, etc., by
subjecting the metal to an alternating magnetic field. A coil
carrying alternating currents is placed about the metal to be
treated and produces both heating effect and magnetic effect
therein. This combined action results in producing the desired

Coil for Magnetic Annealing of Metals

changes in the metal at a much lower temperature than when
heat alone is employed. Also, the regulability of the heating
by controlling the current permits the regulation of heating or
cooling in any desired degree. It may be cooled gradually for
annealing or the bar may be removed from the coil and quenched
for hardening or tempering. In addition to the regulation of
the amount of the current its effect may be changed by varying
its frequency. Patent No. 1,171,832.

STATOR FOR ALTERNATING-ELECTRIC-CURRENT MACHINES

For reasons well known to electrical engineers it is desirable,
if possible, to have but one bar of bar winding in a slot. This
is practicable, however, only in cases where the machines have
a low tension, a high number of kilowatts, and a high number
of revolutions. Mr. Jens Lassen La Cour, of Vesteras, Sweden,

Arrangement of Slots for Single-bar Windings

has devised a form of winding wherein a single-bar-in-a-slot
winding may be available under circumstances where it was
hitherto impracticable and without producing undue magnetic
density in the core teeth. This he does by having rows of bars
at different distances from the air gap and staggering the bars
of the rows as indicated in the cut. Patent No. 1,172,517.

ALTERNATING-CURRENT MOTOR

Mr. Sven R. Bergman, of Lynn, Mass., in a patent issued
March 7, 1916, shows a simple and effective means for varying
the impedance of a secondary winding of an induction motor in
response to speed conditions so as to regulate the motor ac-
cordingly. Mr. Bergman employs a centrifugal governor which

Centrifugal Regulating of Alternating-Current Motor

operates upon a magnetic mass affecting the magnetic circuit of
a secondary winding and so varying its impedance. The device
is quite clearly indicated in the cut. Patent No. 1,174,654.

ELECTROMAGNET AND ELECTRICALLY-OPERATED SWITCH

In the control of resistance steps by electromagnets for regu-
lating the starting and acceleration of motors it is desirable that
the sections shall be cut out within certain predetermined lim-
its of current. That is to say, a section should not be cut out
when the current is too small nor should it be cut out when
the current is excessive. Various devices, many of them quite
complicated, have been devised to achieve this result In a

Overload and Underload Cut-Out Electro-Magnet

patent to Mr. Ragnar Wikander, of Pittsburgh, Pa., issued
March 14, 1916, is described a magnet structure which will not
close the contacts which it controls when the current is either
too large or too small. The structure of this device and the
manner of its operation is clearly shown in the three accom-
panying cuts showing the device under different conditions of
operation. Patent No. 1, 175,323-

. :;;,

mum

* * '—J ' ' " r t \ ^ • ' i r :?1

dim! U®@Ssg

^ i&©^&<ew ©ff m&s

Domestic Electric Machines, including washers, ironers
and vacuum cleaners of the "Thos" make, are skilfully set
forth in Catalog C of the Hurley Machine Company, Chicago
and New York.

♦ ♦ ♦

Electrical Lighting Decorations, a specialty of the Elblight
Company, New York, are described and illustrated in a folder
recently issued by the company.

♦> ♦$► ♦$»

Electrical Window Display and contractors' advertising in
general are touched upon in "Display-Service-Bulletin" sent
out by the Society for Electrical Developmnt, Inc., New
York.

Selling Mazda Lamps is the title of a lamp-handbook got-
ten up for those who sell Mazda lamps, by the Westinghouse
Lamp Company, New York. It is full of up-to-date information
on Mazda lamps and is sent without charge to those who re-
quest it.

♦ ♦ ♦

Self-contained Generating Plants of the kind manufactured
by the Universal Motor Company, Oshkosh, Wis., are described
in the company's illustrated Bulletin No. 20.

♦ ♦> ♦>

Insulating Cable Joints is the subject of an illustrated book-
let entitled "Conducell, a Method of Insulating Cable Joints
in Underground Transmission Systems," recently published by
the Mica Insulator Company, New York.
*jf, $ *

Lightning Arrestors and other protective apparatus are the
subject of a catalog just sent out by the Electric Service Sup-
plies Co., Philadelphia, Pa.

♦I* *2* ***

Electric Hoists and similar apparatus as made by the
Brown Hoisting Machinery Company, Cleveland, O., are told
about in its Catalog D.

♦ * *

Electric Radiators constructed on the Appel system are
described in an illustrated folder sent out by the Lee Electric
Radiator Company, Chicago, 111.

«f» ♦♦♦ ♦$►

Intermittent-Duty Controllers, as made by the Allen-Brad-
ley Company, Milwaukee, Wis., are told about in its illustrated
Bulletin B-16.

♦♦♦ ♦*♦ *>

Insulated Staples, Tube Flux and compressed cleats, the
product of the Blake Signal and Manufacturing Company, Bos-
ton, Mass., are set forth in recently issued circulars of that
company.

A A A

»♦♦ V *?

Electrically Illuminated House Numbers designed for at-
tachment to an ordinary electric porch lamp are described in
an illustrated circular sent out by Stanley & Patterson, New
York.

♦ *t* <*

Correspondence Courses in Electrical Engineering as of-
fered by the Joseph G. Branch School of Engineering, Chicago,
111., are described along with eight other engineering courses, in
the school's latest catalog.

Electric House Pumps, as made by the Columbus Pump
Company, Columbus, O., are described in its Bulletin A-18.

Indestructible Miniature Transformers made by the Thor-
ardson Electric Mfg. Company, of Chicago, 111., in sizes of
from 40 to 120 watts, for low voltage electrical toy operation,
are described in a well gotten-up folder recently distributed.

♦ ♦> *t*

"Willey" Electrically Driven Tools," a handsome well ar-
ranged booklet, illustrating the well-known line of drills, buf-
fers and grinders, made by the James Clark, Jr., Electric Com-
pany, Louisville, Ky., is the title of the company's Catalog
No. 26. There are more than 40 varieties in the company's
standard output of these machines.

>** >*♦ ♦**

Cut Glass Illuminating Shades an artistic product of the
Jefferson Glass Company, Follansbee, W. Va., are depicted in a
little blue folder lately sent out by the maker. They are mailed
upon request.

♦ * ♦

Lighting Reflectors designed on the "eye comfort" system,
and their applications in many kinds of buildings, are the sub-
ject of a booklet recently sent out by the National X-Ray Re-
flector Company, Chicago, 111.

Vapor Proof Lighting Fixtures for use with its "Steelite"
conduit are told about in an illustrated folder issued by the
Inland Electric Company, Chicago, 111.
<* *> <*

Pole Line Hardware and Construction Specialties are artis-
tically listed and displayed in the new Hubbard catalogue, is-
sued by Hubbard & Company, Pittsburgh, Pa., the largest
manufacturers of this kind of material in the world. The
complete line of high-class steel specialties for which the com-
pany is well and favorably known, is explained in legible type,
on heavy soft-finish paper. The book is divided into 16 sections,
in each of which material is grouped according to the purpose
arms and fittings ; high-tension arms and fittings ; telephone and
armse and fittings ; high-tension arms and fittings ; telephone and
telegraph wiring; cable material, etc. It has 260 pages and 616
illustrations, carries a lot of useful engineering information and
will be mailed on request to those interested.

«J» «J» «5»

"Some Installations of Westinghouse Switchboards" is the

title of a twenty-page folder just issued by the Westinghouse
Electric & Mfg. Company. This folder illustrates the switch-
boards, control desks and switching equipments in some of the
largest and most important of recent power developments and
gives an excellent idea of some of the work being done by the
Westinghouse Company in the switchboard line.

The company has also published a leaflet, No. 3823-A, on the
latest type of rotary converters, and a Catalog Section I. P. 45
illustrates "modifications of the standard type of C. S. Motor."
These modifications involve motors adapted for conduit wiring,
idler pulley, back gearing and other changes from standard.
Catalogue sections have also been issued on "Pole Line Hard-
ware," "Type C. W. Slip Ring Induction Motors," a new pressed
steel motor for constant and variable speed — continuous duty
service now being brought out ; and on "Switchboard Meters
for Measuring Current, Pressure and Energy."

ELECTRICAL AGE

April, 1916

Ohio State Electrical Show

The Ohio State Electrical Show will be held April 27, 28, 29,
1916, at Columbus, O. The best engineering companies of the
country will be represented and their exhibits will give the public
the opportunity of comparing advantages and disadvantage, de-
velopments and improvements of everything electrical. Lectures
will be given on high-frequency work, modern inventions, X-
Ray and other subjects which every one desires to know more
about. This show which is given only once every two years is
held under the auspices of the Ohio State University, Colum-
bus, O.

♦ + +
Long Lived Lamps

While refurnishing the City Opera House at Waterville, Me.,
several carbon-filament incandescent lamps were found still
giving service. These lamps have been in use almost every even-
ing for thirteen years.

4. * 4,

Detroit Nearly All Wired

Practically every detached residence, every apartment house

and every cottage costing more than $1,200 recently built in the

territory served by the Detroit Edison Company is wired for

electric light and is served by the company.

>♦♦ ♦♦♦ ♦♦♦

Workmen's Compensation for Kentucky

The Kentucky Legislature has passed the workmen's compen-
sation bill which has been before it since early in the session.
It provides for insurance w:th the commercial companies or
with mutual organizations and does not create a state fund,
and it is virtually compulsory, since those employers who do
not take advantage of its terms are deprived of the usual com-
mon-law defenses in cases of employees' claims.

Rates for Street Lighting in Seattle Increased

The president of the Seattle City Council has, over the pro-
test of the Mayor, fixed the rates for street lighting for 1916
at 4.5 cents per kilowatt-hour. The city, which is served from
a municipal plant, formerly enjoyed a rate of 4 cents per kilo-
watt-hour for this service.

Electrical Utilities Broke Records in 191 5

Reports from those who make it their business to gather
the statistics of the earnings and output of the electrical utili-
ties show that the year just closed broke records in every di-
rection, despite the fact that it opened under rather depressing
circumstances.

Excluding all electric generating stations connected with elec-
tric or steam railways and all isolated plants, the combined
earnings of the commercial light and power companies of the
country in 1915 were $360,000,000, an increase of $24,000,000
•over 1914, while their combined output was 18,400,000,000 kilo-
watt hours, a gain of 1,800,000,000.

Statistics covering 65% of the industry with the remaining
35% carefully estimated, show that the electric generating and
distributing industry of the country is now in the best condition
in its history. January, 1915, showed an average gam 01
only 4.1% in revenues over January, 1914, and for February,
1915, this gain dropped to 2%. From that time on there was a
steady increase in the ratio of gain and for December, 1915,
revenues showed an average increase of 11.8% over December,
1914, while output made an average increase of 23% as com-
pared with but 1.4% for January, 1915, over January, 1914.

The gains in business by the companies would have been even
larger, but for the inability of industrial concerns to obtain the
required motors and of the companies to secure the additional
generating equipment. So great has been the demand for elec-
tric power in the last few months that the manufacture of power
apparatus have been hard put to fill the demand.

Cannot Utilize Railway Poles for Carrying Light and Power

Wires

In an opinion given to the Board of Supervisors of San Fran-
cisco, the city attorney stated that the San Francisco & Sierra
Power Company had no legal right to furnish electric power to
customers by using the poles of the United Railroads of San
Francisco for carrying its wires. He said that the franchise for
the erection and maintenance of the poles was granted only for
the operation of a street railway system and there is no authori-
zation to utilize them for any other purposes.

Electric Rate Fixed by Municipality
The State Supreme Court, West Virginia, has handed down
a decision holding that the Public Service Commission of the
State has the power to change a public service rate fixed by a
municipality by ordinances before the enactment of the law cre-
ating the Commission, where the authority to fix such rate was
not expressly vested in the municipality by legislative action.

♦ ♦> **♦
Public Service Obligations go With Ownership

A recent decision of the Mississippi Supreme Court holds
that in case a bankrupt public utility company is purchased by
an individual the duties of the utility as well as the privileges
are purchased and that such an individual can be compelled to
operate the plant by the courts for the benefit of the public.

4» ■•$► <$*

Discrimination in Charges — Ground for Damages
A public service corporation in Iowa engaged in furnishing
electric light and power to the inhabitants of a city, has no pow-
er to charge one patron one price, and a competitor a lower price
for the same service under the same conditions, even though the
higher price is not unreasonable or unlawful. Where such a
company unlawfully discriminates in the rates charged, it is liable
in damages to any person injured as the proximate result there-
of; but, in the absence of a statute, a person not injured by such
an unlawful act cannot recover. In an action against such a com-
pany for damages due to a less rate being charged for light
and power furnished by the defendant to the plaintiff's competi-
tor than was charged the plaintiff, it appears that the plaintiff
was engaged in printing a weekly newspaper, and doing a job
printing and electrotyping business, and that its competitor was
engaged in running a newspaper and job printing plant in the
same city under like conditions. It was held that the damages
recoverable were such as were the direct and approximate result
of the lower rate and therefore the difference in rates was not
the true test of the measure of damages.

Workmen's Compensation Act Relates Only to Employer
and Employe

In an action for damages resulting from injuries to an elec-
trician who was sent by his master to a factory to install some
new wires and while at work there was injured through the
alleged negligence of the owner of the factory, it was held
that the Wisconsin Workman's Compensation Act applies only
as between master and servant, and does not apply so as to
prevent an action at law for injuries which an employe of one
person has received at the hands of another, so that the elec-
trician's remedies were not controlled b}r that act.

♦ *> *>
Philadelphia Rate Case Compromised

The suit of the City of Philadelphia against the Philadelphia
Electric Company to enforce lower rates for electric service has
ended in a compromise whereby the electric company agreed
to reduce its charges in such a manner as to decrease its gross
income by $1,000,000.

BWE(i^

€2©saipR@&g I^@cg@5?dl ©2 HMijp©ir4simt£ M<^ws SMihl<B<sl i!©2r EBmsy ^©neH^o

It is reported that the cost of generating energy by steam,
in the case of the city of Seattle, Wash., was twice as costly as
by water power during the year 191 5. Seattle's municipal light-
ing plant paid $56,160.16 for the generation of energy at the
hydroelectric power plant at Cedar Falls, and $112,466.26 at
the Lake Union steam auxiliary plant in Seattle.

♦J* <$► 4$»

The Boston Electrolytic Oxygen Company, recently incorpo-
rated with a capital stock of $150,000, is manufacturing com-
pressed oxygen and hydrogen gases at Everett, Mass. The
process consists of electrolysis of distilled water which produces
oxygen guaranteed 99.3 per cent, pure and hydrogen 99.9 per
cent. pure.

♦ ♦ '♦

The Westerly (R. I.) Light & Power Company has applied
to the State Legislature for an amendment of its charter, to
increase its capital stock from $700,000 to $1,000,000.

H. D. McCutcheon & Co., of Pittsburgh, Pa., have received
a contract from the Akron & Youngstown Electric Railway
Company to construct an electric railway from between Akron
and Youngstown, a distance of about 50 miles. Estimated cost
$3,000,000, exclusive of terminal facilities.

♦ * *

The Hot Springs Light & Power Company, Thermopolis,
Wyo., offers $100,000 in bonds for sale, proceeds to be utilized
for improvements to its hydroelectric power plant and for
refunding purposes.

<j» <$. <$»

The Elephant Butte Water Users' Association has under ad-
visement the installation of a 400-hp. hydroelectric plant in the
irrigaton canal near Leasburg diversion dam, about 15 miles
north of Las Cruces.

*$* *$* *J*

A power development at Big Bend in the Missouri River is
planned by the Missouri River Power Company, recently incor-
porated with a capital stock of $1,000,000.

^ A ifa

As a result of the installation of a municipal electric plant
at Blair, Neb., the local plant of the Nebraska Gas & Electric
Company will be discontinued.

<j» A -ijf

Daykin, Neb. has the construction of a municipal electric-
light plant under advisement.

♦ ♦!♦ *

Wm. A. Baehr and associates of Chicago, 111., recently pur-
chased the holdings of the Durant Ice and Light Company,
Durant, Okla.

♦ »*+ .♦«

Houston (Tex.) will construct a wharf, to be known as No.
4, at an estimated cost of $400,000. It will be equipped with a
20-ton traveling crane, to be operated by electricity.

♦ * *

The Denver Gas & Electric Light Company announces that
during 1915 it sold 9,218 electrical appliances, which constituted
a record.

The sales of all appliances showed good splendid increase, but
the best example probably was that of irons, 4,851 being sold
last year as against 3,124 in 1914, an approximate increase of
50 per cent.

The General Electric Co. has announced a bonus of 5 per cent,
on the individual earnings for the current year of all employees
in all of its plants who have been with it over five years.

This will mean a distribution of over $3,000,000 to the older
employes of the company, who are estimated to number 50,000^
men. Payment will be made in two instalments,
♦j. <♦ »j.

A steam power station of 60,000-kilowatts capacity is now
under construction in Buffalo, N. Y., for the Buffalo General'
Electrio Company. The installation will include three 20,000-
kilowatt turbogenerators with five boilers of approximately 13,-
000 square feet of heating surface each, necessary steam and
electric auxiliaries, coal-handling apparatus and trestle, and in-
takes and discharges for the condensing system. The Stone &
Webster Company is doing the engineering.

* .. + *

A notice has been filed by J. L. Fountain, Seattle, Wash.,
with the Snohomish County Commissioners at Everett appro-
priating 10,000 cu. ft. per second of water on the Sauk River
for a hydro-electric development. It is reported that Mr. Foun-
tain represents a British Columbia corporation which wishes to
build a hydroelectric plant on the site.
<* ♦ ♦

The I. P. Morris Company has just secured the contract for
one 19,500-hp. vertical-shaft, single-runner turbine to operate
under a head of 68 ft. at a speed of 100 r.p.m. for the Lock
No. 12 development of the Alabama Power Company on the
Coosa River. The unit is to have a rating of 2,000 hp. greater
than the existing I. P. Morris units in the same station, the
head and speed for each of the five machines being the same.

The Crocker-Wheeler Company, Ampere, N. J., has awarded
a contract to the American Concrete-Steel Co., Newark, N. J.,
for the erection of a three-story, reinforced concrete addition,
about 80 x 100 ft., to cost about $60,000.

The Empire District Electric Company, Joplin, Mo., is mak-
ing an extension to the turbine room to accommodate 30,000
kilowatts, of which 10,000 is to be in operation in May.

J. B. McCrary & Co., Atlanta, Ga., have received contract to
erect electric-light plant and water works at Nashville, N. C.
Approximate cost $45.00.

* * *

The Johnson Construction Company, of Pittsburgh, has been
granted a franchise for the construction of an electric-lighting
system at Gratz, Pa.

" The Northwestern Power & Manufacturing Company, recent-
ly incorporated at Wilmington, Del., with a capital stock of
$750,000, for the purpose of acquiring real estate, power sites
and water rights, for the generation of electrical energy.

The Peoples' Incandescent Light Company, of Meadville, Pa.,
and seven other companies have consolidated and are now oper-
ating under the name of the Northwestern Electric Service of
Pennsylvania.

A 44,000-volt transmission line will be constructed from Provo
(Utah) to Price, and other points in Carbon County, 75 miles
long, to furnish energy to the coal mines in that section.
^ ■*$*• ■*$*■

The Essex Storage Electric Co., recently incorporated with
a capital stock of $200,000 is contemplating a large hydro-
electric development at Victory on the Moose River to transmit
energy for power and lighting purposes to St. Johnsbury, Ver-
mont, and neighboring communities.

ELECTRICAL AGE

April, 191 6

The Bigwood Woolen Company at Spencer, Mass., is installing
electric motors to run its yarn making department, in order to
be able to operate with day and night shifts.
♦J» ♦♦♦ ♦
The Buffalo General Electric Co. has filed application for
authority to issue $3,625,000 in bonds for the construction of
its steam-electric plant at Tonowanda, on which work has al-
ready been started.

*$? *$* *$*

The New York Central Railroad will extend its electric zone
from Harmon northward to Poughkeepsie, discontinuing the
use of the old tunnel at Storm King.
■•$* *$* *$*

The Leaksville (N. C.) Light & Power Company contem-
plates the construction and equipment of a distnbuting station
at Leaksville and will purchase power from the Southern Pow-
er Company, of Charlotte.

♦ ♦• ♦

The formation of an electric power syndicate to be known
as the Northern Iowa Gas & Electric Company, involving the
expenditure of several millions of dollars has been announced.
With the large power plant of the Northern Iowa Power Com-
pany at Humboldt (Iowa) as a nucleus, plants will be estab-
lished in thirteen communities.

«j* «$► «j*

Adams & Company, of Sulphur, Ky., has obtained the
franchise for the construction of a new electric lighting plant at
LaGrange.

♦ ♦♦♦ ♦♦♦

. The chief engineer and promoters of the Nashville and Smith-
ville (Tenn.) Electric Railroad are buying right of way and
taking other preliminary steps for the building of the road.
W. B. Foster, of Smithville, is interested in the project.

♦ ♦ ♦

Commissioner Barber, of Birmingham, Ala., is urging the is-
suance of bonds to increase the capacity of the present municipal
power plant in North Birmingham, which has been under advise-
ment for some time.

•ft »•♦ .j.

The Cooper Electric Co. (Cooper, Texas), is planning the
extension of its transmission lines.

4» ♦♦♦ >♦♦

The Citizens' Water Works & Lighting Company is being

organized at Lockhart, Tex., for the construction of a water
works and electric lighting plant.

♦+♦ .♦♦ »*-

The Sequin Electric Light & Power Company is making a
campaign on electrical appliances, especially cooking apparatus.
The company will install a new power house at Sequin, Texas,
and will install a turbogenerator to deliver about 200 horse-
power.

♦♦♦ «$► ^

According to a report made by the United States Land Office
in Salt Lake City the Government has withdrawn eighteen
miles of land bordering the Snake River in Idaho for power
sites.

^ ■•Jf A

The electrification of the Southern Pacific Company's west
side line from Whiteson to Corvallis, Ore. is in course of
construction. The estimated cost of this work is $800,000,
not including the terminals at Corvallis.
♦> * ♦

The Puget Sound Traction, Light & Power Company is
constructing an elaborate system of negative feeders at an esti-
mated cost of $50,000, by which it is proposed to return stray
current to the various substations. The system will cover prac-
tically every electric line in Seattle, and is considered the best
means of controlling the current with the exception of a double
trolley system on the street railway lines which is considered
so expensive as to be prohibitive.

The Penn Central Light & Power Company, of Altoona, re-
cently secured contract for furnishing electric power for the
great Standard Steel Works at Burnham, Pa., which is the
largest power contract, ever received by that corporation. Due
to tne growth of the work at the Burnham plant the Standard
Company has decided to purchase electric power, instead of
using its own electric power, as before, and has contracted
with the Penn Central Company for a load of 4,100 horsepower.

* ♦> <*

The Kansas City Light & Power Company, successor to the
Kansas City Electric Light Company contemplates a revision of
rates for power. All power contracts were annulled by the re-
organization of the new company, the rates of some having been
very low. Domestic rates are not affected.

♦ '.♦.♦

The Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Co., has
received an order for 30,000-kw., single-unit turbo-generator set
from the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Co. for installation in their
Williamsburg generating station. The turbine will operate at 1500
r.p.m. on steam at 200 lb. pressure and 115 degree superheat
and will exhause into a 28.5 vacuum furnished by 40,000-sq. ft.
Westinghouse surface type condenser.

* * 4

The Hortonia Power Company, of Rutland, Vt., is tunneling
a mountain near Lake Dunmore to tap Silver Lake, where a
storage reservoir up in the hills will provide a reserve supply
of about 400 million cubic feet of water. A generating plant
to be built near the shore of Lake Dunmore will have an ulti-
mate capacity of 7,000 horsepower. A development of about
1,000 horsepower will be at Hortonia, 1,000 at Bethel and 500
horsepower at Gaysyille, and transmission lines will be extended
south to Brandon, Proctor and Tinmouth ; also to Middlebury
and Bristol on the north, and from Bethel northeast to the
granite region in the central part of the State.
♦♦, ♦♦« ♦$►

The large steel mills continue to place orders for record size
motors. In addition to the 15,000-hp. machine recently purchased
by the Indiana Steel Company, the National Tube Company has
purchased another of the some size and two more are going
through the Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company's
works.

All these motors are used on 40 inch reverse blooming or
rolling mills.

<$> , 4» «i»

The Great Lakes Power Company, Ltd., a recently- formed
corporation, has purchased the entire water-power development
and water-power rights at Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., from the
Algoma Steel Company. At present 12,000 hp. is sold as water
power and a 6,000-hp. hydroelectric development is in operation.
The ultimate rating of the development is about 48,000 hp.

In addition to the powejr rights the Great Lakes Power Com-
pany, Ltd., also bought the street railway system, which has
about 7 miles of track, and the International Ferry, operating
between the customs houses of the United States and the Cana-
dian Governments.

♦ »T* *

According to the report of the Canadian Department of
Mines which recently made an investigation of electric smelting
of iron ores preliminary to establishing a similar industry in
Canada, the two types of electric furnaces most used on the
Scandinavian Peninsula for iron ore smelting are the Elektro-
metall and the Helfenstein types. In June, 1915, there were in
operation in Norway and Sweden seven Elektrometall furnaces
of an aggregate rating of 25,400 horsepower, and there was in
process of construction ten furnaces of this type of an ag-
gregate rating of 32,200 horsepower. Of the Helfenstein and
Tinfos furnaces there were in operation in June, 1015, seven
furnaces of an aggregate rating of about 14,000 horsepower.

April, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

Among tSae Associations

The Electrical Supply Jobber Association will be held at Hot
Springs, Va., June 7, 8 and 9.

♦ '♦♦ ♦

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers will hold its
next meeting in New Orleans, April II to 19 inclusive. The
opening session will be devoted to "Industrial Preparednes"
on which a paper will be presented by Mr. S. Spencer Miller,
one of the Naval Consulting Board.

4&> & *J»

The 1916 convention of the Southwestern Electric and Gas
Association will take place at the Hotel Galvez, Galveston, Tex-
as. May 17 to 20 inclusive.

♦ * *

The American Association of Engineers announces that it
has now a membership of 500, sixty-five per cent, of which is
in and near Chicago and the remaining thirty-five per cent, is
scattered throughout the United States, Canada, England, Phil-
ippine Islands and even in South America.

Its course of lectures is highly complimented by engineers of
long experience and high standing as conveying a message for
a higher standard of ethics between engineers and those who
profit by their endeavors. The new association seems to have
found a field of activity different from those of the older so-
cieties.

♦ * *

The sixth annual banquet of the Westinghouse Interests in
the Pittsburgh district was held at the Fort Pitt Hotel, Pitts-
burgh, Pa., on March 11. About 500 men were present.
♦♦♦ «|» ♦♦♦

An association to be known as the "Export Buyers' League"
has been formed to consolidate the interest of those engaged in
buying for export, a group of men through whose hands passes
practically all of the country's export business.
^ "^ ■*$►

The ninth annual convention of the Minnesota Electrical As-
sociation was held at Minneapolis on March 21 and 22.

♦ ♦> *

The Illuminating Engineering Society is about to publish a
complete new list of its members.

*♦* *J* *$*

At the March meeting of the American Institute of Electrical
Engineers held in the Engineering Building, New York, the sub-
ject of the destruction of iron and lead by electrolysis was
discussed.

The A. I. E. E. directors have nominated Mr. H. W. Buck
for president in the next election.

♦ ♦> ♦

The monthly meeting of the New York Electric Society was
addressed by Mr. Frank J. Sprague, telling of a month he spent
with the Atlantic battleship fleet. As an ex-lieutenant in the
Navy and as an electrical engineer, Mr. Sprague doubly qualified
for getting the useful information obtained on this trip.

♦ ♦ *

A Radio Club has been recently formed at Louisville, Ky.,
which is devoting most of its attention to wireless telegraphy and
study of general electrical matters. ■ Meetings are held at regu-
lar intervals at the offices of the Tafel Electric Company, at
which well-known authorities in their lines are present as speak-
ers.

*:♦ «■:♦ ♦

The Missouri Association of Public Utilities, which represents
practically all of the privately owned public utilities in the
State, will hold its tenth annual convention on May 11-13 on
board the steamer Quincy, en route from St. Louis to Peoria,
111., and return, traversing the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.

Mr. John B. Sebring has been appointed the Pittsburgh dis-
trict sales agents of the Ward Leonard Electric Company of
New York.

«$» 4$» A

Mr. L. F. Tissot, formerly with the Century Electric Com-
pany, is now sales engineer for Curtis & Carhart, Inc., New
York.

* ♦ ♦

Mr. Geo. Drake Smith, until lately with the General Vehicle
Company, is now assistant sales manager of the Edison Storage
Battery Co. at Orange, N. J.

*> ♦ *

Mr. Ralph B. Coleman has transferred his services from the
Electric Machinery Company of Minneapolis to the Moloney
Electric Company of St. Louis.

* * ♦♦♦

Messrs. D. W. Mead and F. W. Scherdenhelm have opened
up a hydroelectric consulting engineering partnership in the
Equitable Building, New York City.

* ♦> *

Mr. N. Kishi, superintendent and electrical engineer of the
Osaka Electric Light Company, Osaka, Japan, is now in the
United States on a tour of inspection of central-station lighting
properties.

* * ♦

Mr. Geo. L. Hatheway has taken charge of the recently
opened New England office of Pass & Seymour, Inc., of Sol-
vay, N. Y.

Mr. E. Thurnauer, of Paris, France, a well-known electrical
engineer of France and the European representative of the
General Electrical Company, has been touring the United States
since November and is now in the Pacific Northwest. As one
of the officials of a big French electrical equipment company
and managing director of the omnibus company which handles
the traffic of Paris, M. Thurnauer has come in closer contact
with the war than the average citizen and declares that one of
the most interesting revelations of the struggle has been the
adaptation of electricity -md motor-driven vehicles to war uses.

4^t ^ <J»

The Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce has com-
missioned Philip S. Smith, of New York, to investigate the
South American market in regard to electrical goods who will
report on present and prospective trade conditions. The high
price of coal in most parts of South America and the prevalence
of water power have caused a considerable development in the
hydroelectric industry and American appliances should find a
lucrative field.

* * ♦♦*

Obltto&ry

Mr. H. W. Pope, a veteran of the early electric lighting days
in this country and an old time associate of Thos. A. Edison,
died at his home at Bellerose, L. L, Feb. 29th, in his 68th year

v v v
Mr. Robert M. Jones, one of the pioneer electrical engineers
of the West, died at Carlsbad, N. M., March 1st. Mr. Jones is
said to have constructed the second Edison three-wire central
station in 1883 at Laramie, Wyo. He was also the first in this
country to use the double discharge type of Francis turbine at
Spearfish, S. D., in 1903. He did much other first class work,
both in the United States and in Mexico.

V V V

Mr. J. C. Manly, assistant superintendent of construction for
the Commonwealth Edison Company, of Chicago, died suddenly
on the 17th of March. He had been with the company since 1895.

ALABAMA

Decatur. — The steam-power electric plant of the Alabama
Power. Co., Birmingham will be enlarged at an approximate
cost of $10,000, and its capacity increased from 750 to 1,000
horsepower.

Fayette. — An electric-light and ice plant will be installed by
the Sipsey Valley Oil & Fertilizer Co. Thos. H. Robertson,
owner.

Opelika. — The installation of an ornamental street lighting
system on Eighth and Ninth streets is under advisement.

ARKANSAS

Fort Smith. — During the next few months the Fort Smith
Light & Traction Company will improve the street railway
system at an expenditure of more than $50,000; contemplated
improvements to include the reconstruction of portions of
the Eleventh St. and Grand Ave. lines, using new steel rails
and 6 inch steel ties. Tile drains will be placed underneath
the tracks. The ties will be bedded in concrete.

Little Rock. — The Arkansas Light & Power Co. will issue
$5,000,000 in bonds for the purchase of additional plants, etc.

CONNECTICUT

Norwich. — An appropriation of $24,850 is contemplated for
improvements to the municipal electric light plant, including
two boilers, $14,900; two automatic stokers, $5,450; induced
draft apparatus, $1,450; repairs, etc., $3,050.

Rockville. — A white way around Central Park is being
planned, for which about 20 two or three-light standards will
be purchased.

Torrington. — The construction of an electric railway from
Torrington to Waterbury is contemplated. A. J. Patton &
Co., of Waterbury, are interested in the project.

FLORIDA

De Funiak Springs. — The city contemplates an addition to
its electric light plant.

GEORGIA

Atlanta. — A resolution has been passed for the erection of
nineteen additional electric light standards on Alabama St.

Cordele. — The construction of a municipal electric-light
plant in connection with the municipal water-works plant, to
cost about $50,000 is under consideration. C. F. Wagner,
city Engineer.

Junction City. — The city is planning to erect an electric
light plant. Address the mayor.

Metter. — The building of a municipal electric light plant is
planned, for which a bond issue of $8,500 is contemplated.

ILLINOIS

Belleville. — It is reported that the first estimated cost of
$150,000 will have to be increased to $272,000 for the con-
struction of a municipal lighting plant, which, however, does
not include the cost of installing underground conduit.

Brighton. — Arthur Farrell has been granted a franchise to
install and operate an electric-light and power plant in
Brighton.

Franklin. — The Central Illinois Public Utilities Company
has been granted a certificate of convenience and necessity
to rebuild the electric lighting plant here.

Hardin. — Peter A. Gotway will install an electric-lighting
plant here.

Heyworth. — An ornamental lighting system on Main St.
is being planned by the Heyworth Electric Light & Power
Co. G. W. Powell, Pres.

Moline. — The Peoples Power Company is making exten-
sive improvements to its Moline power house, changing
voltage on transmission lines to East Moline, 111., and Daven-
port, Iowa, from two-phase, 4800-volts to three-phase, 13,200
volts. Improvements include the installation of three 5000-
kva., duplex, water-cooled, oil-insulated, 4800-volt, two-phase
to 13,200 volt, three-phase transformers; the erection of 4800-
volt and 13,200 volt bus structures, switches, lightning ar-
resters, etc. Also three 2500-kva. transformers, as described
above, with bus structure, etc., at East Moline substation.
D. G. Porter is. assistant general manager.

Olney. — The installation of a municipal electric-lighting
plant is under consideration.

Ottawa. — The Rotary Club, which has charge of the light-
ing of LaSalle St., south of Main and the Illinois Bridge and
approaches contemplate the extension of the ornamental
lighting system to these points.

Pekin. — The installation of a motor-generator set to supply
electricity for street railway service, also to rebuild part of
its pole lines is being planned by the Central Illinois Light
Co., of Pekin.

INDIANA

Gas City. — City is planning to improve the electric-light
plant, including the installation of one 125-kva., three-phase,
60-cyclc, 2300-volt, engine-type revolving field generator; al-
so a battery charging outfit. T. S. McGee, Supt.

Madison. — The Madison Light & Railway Company has
been granted authority to issue $13,000 in securities for addi-
tions to the power plant.

IOWA

Davenport. — The Tri-City Railway Company is planning
the extension of its lines. Address F. E. Wettstein.

Grinnell.— The Iowa Light & Power Company, recently
organized with a capital of $1,000,000, will erect a large mod-
ern building.

Newton. — a 6-mile. 3-phase, 230-volt transmission line to
the municipal water works station is being planned. C.
O'Leary, Supt.

Oxford Junction. — The local electric-light company expects
to extend its transmission lines to all small towns between
Cedar Rapids and Clinton. Walter Coon, manager.
KANSAS

Abilene. — The Riverside Light & Power Co. will extend its
transmisson lines north to Oakhill and intermediate towns and
south to Harrington and Hope. Address R. B. Gemmill, Supt.

Barnes. — The installation of an electric distribution system is
under advisement. Energy will be secured from the Concordia
Electric Co.

Eudora. — A municipal electric-light plant will be installed,
for which purpose bonds to the amount of $10,000 have been
voted.

Hanover. — James Barry, of Odell, Neb., the new owner of the
Hanover electric-light plant contemplates the construction of
transmission lines, to Odel, Landham and Diller, Neb., and will
supply energy from this plant.

Neosho Rapids. — The Emporia Telephone Company is contem-
plating the erection of an electric-lighting plant here. W. W.
Finney is proprietor.

Wakeeney. — Bids will be asked for in April for equipment of
the municipal electric-light plant, including one 80-hp. oil
engine, two alternators with exciters, one switchboard complete
and a triplex motor-driven pump. H. C. Johnson, City Engineer.

April, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

KENTUCKY

Campbellsville. — Campbellsville Public Utilities Co. plans
to install a 150-hp. engine.

Lone Oak, R. D. from Paducah. — The Home Electric Co. of
Paducah has applied for franchise to construct an electric light
system.

Murray. — City votes May 20th on $20,000 bonds to erect an
electric light and power plant. Address the Mayor.

MICHIGAN

Boyne City.— The installation of ornamental lamps on five
blocks of the business section is under advisement. Chas. D.
McCutcheon, Superintendent.

Dowagiac. — The electric-light department of the Beckwith Es-
tate expects to install a 500-kw. or 1,000-kw. turbine and switch-
hoard in its plant here. G. M. White, Manager.

Lapeer.— A boulevard lighting system is contemplated. Ad-
dress Mayor Flary.

Marquette. — The output of the city electric light and power
plant at Dead River is to be increased at an approximate cost
of $50,000.

St. Charles. — Improvements to the municipal electric light plant
are planned, including the installation of boiler feed pumps, a
35-kva. generator and engine, line wire, poles and a new street-
lighting system to replace the present arc lamps. George E.
Tigner, Superintendent.

Sodus. — The erection of an electric-lighting plant on Pipe-
stone Creek to furnish service here is under advisement.

Zeeland. — Poles will be bought and a boulevard lighting sys-
tem installed along the Main St.

MISSOURI

Columbia. — It is reported that interests connected with Keo-
kuk & Hamilton Power Co. contemplate the building of an
electric railway from St. Louis to Kansas City via Charles and
Fayette, approximately 250 miles.

Cowgill. — The extension of its transmission line from Polo
to Cowgill is being planned by the Excelsior Springs Water,
Gas & Electric Company, as well as the installation of a distribu-
tion system at Cowgill.

Poplar Bluff. — Bids will be received until April 17th for
furnishing electrical supplies for the city electric-light plant,
including line materials, etc. H. H. Wilcox, City Clerk.

St. Louis. — The Cupples Light, Heat & Power Company has
obtained permits to erect more than 20 miles of overhead wires
in the West End, and may also lay underground conduits on
Newstead Ave.

The Laclede Gas Light Co. has also applied for permission to
lay underground conduits.

NEW JERSEY

Butler. — The Pompton Township Committee has granted the
municipal lighting plant at Butler a twenty-year franchise, for
construction and operation of lines throughout the township.
. Hightstown.— The Hightstown Electric Light & Power Com-
pany will rebuild its local system and install new equipment.
The Public Service Electric Company will build a new line
from its power station at Trenton to the Hightstown company's
plant for increased service.

Hoboken. — The Public Service Electric Company will install
an underground conduit system along River St. from Hudson
Place to Fourth St.

Jersey City. — The City Commission is considering the installa-
tion of an improved street-lighting system along Ocean Avenue.
The Ocean Avenue Business Men's Association (Harry Reed,
president) is interested.

Trenton. — The State Senate has passed a bill authorizing the
establishment of a "white way" lighting system at Trenton.

Trenton. — Governor Fielder has signed a bill authorizing the
installation of an underground conduit system for electric light-
ing lines in Stacy Park.

NEW YORK

Auburn. — The Empire Gas & Electric Company contem-

plates the installation of regulators in various generating and
substations, substituting motor-driven centrifugal pumps for
the present reciprocating boiler feed pumps in the generating
staton at Auburn and Geneva; L. C. Reynolds, general su-
perintendent.

Jamestown. — City will install one 1,000-kw. turbine genera-
tor, condenser and switchboard panel. Bids will be received
by the Board of Water & Light Commissioners. Specifica-
tions on file at this office.

NORTH CAROLINA

Hayne. — A transformer station will probably be construct-
ed near this place by the Southern Railway to supply elec-
tricity to operate signal system for double track between
Spartenburg and Central now in course of construction. W.
H. Wells, Ch. Engr. Constr., Washington, D. C.

Marshall. — A hydroelectric development of 1,200 horse-
power is being planned by the Capitola Manufacturing Co.

Mount Airy. — The installation of an additional hydro-elec-
tric generating plant is being considered by the Water &
Light Commission, which will include the construction of
dam and power house, installation of generator, water-wheel,
switchboard panel and governor and construction of 2^2 mi.
transmission lines; develop 300 h. p. I. W. Barber, Supt.

Weaverville. — Weaver Electric Co. expects to install three
5-kw., five 2-kw. and three i-kw. 2200/1 10-volt transformers.

Zebulon. — Municipal electric light plant will be constructed ;
develop 60 to 80 hp. ; estimated cost $8,000; open construc-
tion, bids about May 1st. E. C. Daniel, mayor.

OKLAHOMA

Allen. — P. L. Linebaugh, of Duncan, Okla., has applied for
municipal franchise to erect and operate an electric light
plant.

Checotah. — The Checotah Water, Light & Ice Co. con-
templates installing 75-hp. natural-gas engine to operate 75-
kva. generator (belted); pole-line equipment to change pres-
ent line (3^2 mi.) from 2300 to 6000 volts, with proper trans-
formers to give from 100 to 150 horsepower at end of the
line, which is used to pump city water; use present wires.

Coyle. — City has the installation of an electric-light plant
and water works under advisement. Address the mayor.

Cushing. — Minnesota Electric Light & Power Co. contem-
plates installing 350-kva., 3-phase, 60 cycle, 230-volt genera-
tor, directly connected to simple Corliss engine, with switch-
board, etc.

PENNSYLVANIA

Charleroi. — The Pittsburg Coal Company are erecting a
power plant here for power for its Black Diamond Mine.

New Oxford. — A ten-year franchise to furnish electricity in
this place has been applied for by the Hanover & McSherrys-
town Light, Heat & Power Co., of Hanover, also for a street
lighting contract, consisting of 35 tungsten lamps of 60 cp.
for a period of five years. C. W. Hepperle is manager of the
company.

Waynesboro. — The Waynesboro Electric Light & Power
Company are planning to extend their transmission lines to
Mont Alto to supply electricity to the towns of Nunnery,
Quincy, Good Siding, Knapper and Mont Alto.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Due West. — -A conference has been held between H. A.
Orr, Mgr. of the Anderson (S. C.) branch of the Southern
Public Utilities Co. with the town officials in regard to in-
stalling electric-light system.

Honea Path.— Electric Light Com. will install for connection
with system of Southern Power Co. 10 kw. 3-phase, 60-cycle,
2300-volt regulator; 2 watt-hour meters; two 2300/1 10-volt
transformers; 900 lbs. No. 4 weatherproof copper wire and 3-
pole double-proof oil circuit-breaker, 12,000 volts.

Orangeburg. — A municipal light, power and water plant
will be erected here, the estimated cost for building and ma-
chinery being $50,000.

ELECTRICAL AGE

April, 1916

TEXAS

Copper. — Two 5-mi. transmission lines to Klondike and
Enloe will be constructed by the Copper Electric Co.

Donna. — It is reported that a municipal electric light plant
will be erected here. Address the mayor.

Gunter. — Gunter Power & Light Co. will erect electric-light
plant.

Longview. — The construction of a high-tension 23-mi.
transmission line to connect the Longview and Marshall
plants is contemplated by the Longview Ice & Light Co.

Nixon. — An electric-light plant, to cost approximately
$7,000, is to be constructed by the Nixon Electric Co. and
will install 50-hp. oil engine with 37 J-4-kw. generator. J. F.
Wood, Jr., manager.

San Antonio. — An electric-light system along the Meridian
Road in Texas for about 300 mi. will be constructed by the

Meridian Highway Association. Texas Power & Light Co. will
furnish electricity.

WISCONSIN

Janesville. — The construction of an electric railway from
Janesville to Portage via Madison is planned by the Jones &
Madison Traction Company.

LaCrosse— Harry G. Wilson has applied for a franchise to
construct and operate an electric lighting and power system here.

North Milwaukee. — A transmission line from North Milwau-
kee to Granville will be constructed by the North Milwaukee
Light & Power Co., S. B. Way, President.

Oostburg. — The Oostburg Light & Power Company will erect
an electric-light plant here.

Racine. — The Milwaukee Electric Railway and Light Com-
pany has secured the contract for street lighting, which will
include the installation of 700 lamps and equipment at an ap-
proximate cost of $62,294.

NEW CATALOG No- 22

LATEST LISTING ON

PANEL BOARDS and STEEL CABINETS-SWITCH BOARDS-KNIFE SWITCHES

See Catalog Page 27 to 65 See Catalog Page 74 to 84 See Catalog Page 6 to 23

CATALOG MAILED ON REQUEST

^ranAm^dam S/ec/r/c Co. St. Louis, Missouri.

FORM 4

3-60 Am. 250-600 V.

The Last Word in Fuses— A New Type B Fuse

Caps removed by the twist of your wrist, no tools whatever are required.
The fusible element comes in rolls of %-Vo. to the roll, averages 500
renewals to the roll. Send for Bulletin J-22 and sample free.

A. F. DAUM, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Insulated Electric Wire

If you want the best quality and
service in Insulated Electric Wire

COME TO US

You will find our prices reasonable
and we are always prepared to
make prompt shipment.

ALFRED F. MOORE

200 N. Third Street, Philadelphia

SOUTHERN AGENTS

MATTHEWS ELECTRIC & SUPPLY CO.,

3 N. 20th St., Birmingham, Ala.

CHATTANOOGA ARMATURE WORKS
Chattanooga, Tenn.

ELECTRICAL SUPPLY CO.,
125 Camp St., New Orleans, La.

I.OTORS

LIGHTING D.Y-NA*

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REPAIR-BUY-SELL

New and Second-Hand
Motors —

Generators —

Fans

ARMATURE WINDING
Our Specialty

We build switchboards
fully equipped to execute
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on short notice.

ATLANTA ELECTRIC

1 MACHINE

COMPANY

111 Marietta St.

Atlanta,

Ga.

The

Trade

Technical Journal Company, Inc., New York

Vol. 48

MAY, 1916

No. 5

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Three years ago the Philadelphia Electric Company
was called upon to supply 25-cycle high-voltage energy
to the street railway system. At that time no 25-cycle
generating units had been installed, and therefore a
frequency-changer substation, to be supplied by the
company's 60-cycle system was designed and built, and
the apparatus put into operation within four months'
time. This railway load has steadily grown and 25-
cycle generating capacity has since been added from
time to time. A year later, because of rapidly increas-
ing demand on the 60-cycle system, a material increase
in the company's transmission voltage at that frequency
was found necessary, and then it was that the decision
was made to change the 6,000- volt, two-phase system
to 1 3, 200- volt, three-phase.

In certain districts the conversion to the higher pres-
sure has already been accomplished, and the other sub-
stations of the system are gradually being changed
over. However, in no case will the distribution volt-
ages from substations be changed, but throughout will
remain 2,400 volts, two-phase, three-wire, 60-cycle, for

EKftS

alternating-current districts, and 115-230 volts, three-
wire for the Edison direct-current section occupying
the centre of the city. Scott-connected transformer
banks of large capacity installed in the alternating-cur-
rent substations, will effect the conversion to the two-
phase voltages required as above.

Substations Installed in Railway Company's Steam
Plants

Last year, the street railway system again made de-
mand for energy, this time for an outlying district to
the northwest of the city. This was met by the exten-
sion of 13,200- volt, three-phase, 60-cycle lines from
one of the electric company's generating plants to the
several steam stations of the railway company, where
60-cycle rotary convertor equipments were installed to
supplant the steam-driven generators, since dismantled.
In all of these railway installations the electric company
operates the stations; and energy is billed at 600 volts
direct-current at the trolley bus-bars.

This year, still further increases in demands at both
frequencies have been coincident with the added neces-

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Revolving Field for 25-cycle Generator during Manufacture in Schenectady Works of General Electric Company

May, iqi6

sity for the company's supplying energy for electrifica-
tion of steam railroad lines in and around Philadelphia.
This rapid expansion, therefore, has been the cause of
erection of the new generating station to augment the
present generating capacity necessary for the delivery
of electrical energy to the company's thirty-four sub-
stations, and to those of the railway and the railroad
companies — a supply of energy of which the magni-
tude may be appreciated from the official figures for
the company's output during the year 191 5 — a total of
250,697,952 kilowatt-hours, the peak load being 77,728
kw.

Plant to Contain the Largest Generator in the World

The new power plant will control 151,000 kilowatts

of generating apparatus, and will house the largest tur-

Ar mature for 60-cycle Generator

bo-generator in the world. The new generating station
is being erected at Twenty-eighth and Christian streets
in the city of Philadelphia, contiguous to the present
main station. The part of the building on Christian
St. will be devoted to switching apparatus and turbine
room. This is one-third of the total floor area. It will
contain complete elecrical and mechanical equipment
for two very large horizontal steam turbo-generators ;
one of them a 25-cycle unit of 30,000-killowatt rating
and the other a 60-cycle unit of 35,000-kilowatt ca-
pacity, thus giving a generating capacity of 65,000
kilowatts. The larger of the two will be the largest
electric generator in a single unit in the world.

The new station of 188 feet long by 262 feet wide
will be a modern steam turbine generating plant, and,
although adjacent to the older station, will be separ-
ated therefrom by permanent building walls. As viewed'
from 'the northern side, the two power plants will
present the appearance of a long single building. No
steam or physical connections will be maintained be-
tween the two stations other than the water intake and

djischarge tunnels, which, as later indicated, yhave been.
Extended from the present station to the new 'installa-
tion. On the other hand, the arrangements of elec-
trical connections between the two plants wilj be such
as to unify in a measure the operation of both electric
plants.
Both Twenty-five and Sixty Cycle Current Generated

The electrical installation will deliver three-phase
13,200-volt energy at two frequencies; 25 cycles for
railroad electrification and railway supply, and 60 cycles
for general power and lighting service. In addition to*
these two very large alternators the new station will
control, and will accommodate switching equipment for,,
three large turbo-generators, each of 15,000-kilowatt
rating, which are already in operation in the present
main station. A 25-cycle tie-line will be installed be-
tween the new plant and the company's frequency-
changer substation located nearby, and the control con-
nections of 'the frequency-changers will be arranged so-
that these machines also will be controlled from the
new station.

Generators Wound for High Voltage

This arrangement of apparatus will give the old plant
and the one now under construction a total generating,
capacity in 25-cycle and 60-cycle apparatus, of one
hundred and fifty-one thousand kilowatts in nine units-
controlled by one station. The engineering features-
relating to the installation of apparatus of the two fre-
quencies are in general similar. Both will be three-
phase, 13,200-volt equipment, and it is interesting to-
note that both of the new machines will be wound to>
give 13,200 volts. This feature of their electrical de-
sign is made possible by comparatively recent improve-
ments in armature insulation strengths, and offers in-
teresting contrasts to the alternative of low-voltage ma-
chines with "step-up" transformers, as used only a very
few years ago, to secure pressures of 13,200 volts in
generating stations. For each frequency duplicate sets
of unsectionalized bUs-bars will be installed, and the
construction of the bus-bar and oil-switch structures
will be in accordance with accepted design for large
stations, embodying concrete structures located in iso-
lated switching galleries made fire-proof throughout.
These galleries will be completely separated from the-
turbine room by walls.

Arrangement of Feeder System
All outgoing feeders will be 13,200 volts, three-phase-
Provision will be made for an ultimate installation of
twenty-two 25-cycle and fourteen 60-cycle lines, each of
5,000-kilowatt normal rating. These feeders will be con-
nected to the bus-bars in accordance with a group sys-
tem in who two outgoing feeders compose a group.
Cable connections will be made so that no substation is
supplied by two feeders of the same group. In each
individual feeder there will be connected three per
cent, reactance coils (at 5,000-kilo-volt amperes) to pro-
vide power-limiting protection against short-circuit cur-
rents. Similar protection will be afforded the 25-cycle*
tie line to the frequency-changer substation.

May, 1916

All lines will leave the new station underground, and
static ground-detecting instruments will be maintained
on the cables. At the generating station end of the
feeder cables no lightning arresters will be provided, in-
asmuch as the bus-bars at substations are furnished
with these. The usual protective relays will be installed
in connection with the feeders' automatic oil-break
switches. Of the three alternators in the older gen-
erating station whose leads will be brought to the bus-
bars in the new plant, especial interest attaches to one
machine; a 15,000-kilowatt, 60-cycle generator wound
for 6,000 volts, two-phase, and provided with two
7,500 kv-a. water-cooled, single-phase transformers
connected according to the "Scott" method to transform
to 13,200 volts, three-phase. These power transform-
ers are the largest ever built for the "Scott" trans-
formation.

Synchronizing of Alternators

As elsewhere throughout the system, so in the new
station all synchronizing will be between machine and
bus potential transformers connected in open-delta
across the three-phase circuits. By means of suitable
low-voltage knife-blade switches, the • process of syn-
chronizing may be affected on either one of two phases
as selected. Further, through the agency of an inter-
lock, it is rendered impossible for an operator to close
a machine oil-switch without the synchronism indica-
tor first showing the phase relationship between ma-
chine and bus.

There will be several synchronism indicators used
with recording devices which in every instance will show
the position of synchroscope pointer at time the machine
oil switch is closed, thus giving record of accuracy of
svnchronizing.

35.000 KW CURTIS STEAM TURBFNE. PHILADELPHIA ELECTRIC
COMPANY, PHILADELPHIA. PA

Grounded Neutral to be Used
The operation of the two polyphase systems of dif-
ferent frequency in the new station will be under con-
ditions of grounded neutral, with suitable resistance pro-
vided in the connection to earth. The ground connec-
tion will be separate for each, and automatic interlocks
will prevent more than one generator with either fre-
quency being connected to earth at any time. All ma-
chine ground switches will be remote-controlled. The
main leads from each of the two large turbines will
consist of two 1,000,000-CM stranded cables per leg.
These will be rope-core cables, braid-covered.

Connections to Bus Bars to be Strap Copper

All the electrical conductors between the oil switches
and the bus-bars will be composed of strap copper bare
of insulation. However, the requirements of safety to
operators will be cared for by isolating all live parts in
concrete compartments with asbestos lumber or other
insulating enclosures., As another precaution for safety
to operators and others when work is to be done on the
buses, arrangements will be made for connecting any
bus-bar solidly to earth through permanent knife-blade
switches.

May, 1916

New Features of Design in Alternators

The two large turbo-generators, both of which are of
the horizontal, revolving field type, are of special inter-
est. The 35,000-kilowatt, 60-cycle turbo-generator is
of 13,200 volts, three-phase, six poles, operating at 1,200
revolutions per minute; the ampere output per phase
at 90 per cent, power factor is 1,460 and the internal
reactance, 10 per cent. On the same shaft is a direct-
connected exciter, 150-kilowatt, six-poles, operating at
1,200 revolutions per minute, and supplies a current of
600 amperes.

The new 30,000-kilowatt, 25-cycle turbo generator is
wound for 13,200 volts, three-phase with two poles, op-
erating at 1,500 revolutions per minute. The ampere
capacity per phase at 100 per cent, power factor is 1,313
and the internal reactance, 8 per cent, with external re-
actance of 4 per cent. It is supplied with field current
by a direct-connected exciter of no-kilowatt, six poles,s
250 volts and 440 amperes. Each of these machines
will have temperature coils located permanently in the
stator windings, and connected to recording instruments
located at the switch-board. This will enable the op-

250 volts. This machine can be connected to either of
two duplicate sets of exciter bus-bars upon which a
storage battery is kept "floating."

Steam Turbines

The foundations which are of massive design, com-
prising steel and concrete construction, will support
these very large units. In every case the sub- foundation
will be laid on rock bed. The turbines will be supplied
with steam at 215 pounds gauge pressure at the throt-
tle, and suprheat not to exceed 2000 F., through 20-
inch throttle valves. Under steam conditions given
above and with a back pressure not to exceed ix/z inch-
es of mercury, absolute, the guaranteed economies of
the two machines will be as follows :

Turbine . • Steam consumption per kilowatt-hour

30,000 kilowatts

(25-cycles)

35,000 kilowatts
(60-cycles)

The Control-Board in the Present Station

erators at all times to know the temperatures of the
high-tension windings, an additional safeguard in the
operation of the machines. Cooling air supply to each
turbine will be secured by induced draft through in-
dependent air-washing equipments.

There has also been provided a 500-kilowatt Curtiss
horizontal steam turbo-exciter set operating at 5,060
revolutions per minute. The steam" turbine is provided
with speed reduction gear at 900 revolutions per min-
ute, and it is direct-connected to a generator of the
shunt-wound, six-pole type supplying 200 amperes at

12.45 pounds at 15,000 kilowatts
1 1.9 pounds at 22,500 kilowatts
12.75 pounds at 30,000 kilowatts
12.9 pounds at 15,000 kilowatts
1 1.9 pounds at 25,000 kilowatts
12.0 pounds at 30,000 kilowatts
12.6 pounds at 35,000 kilowatts
It is expected that all of these guar-
anteed rates will be bettered under con-
ditions of actual operation. The main
bearings of each machine will be 24
inches in diameter by 52 inches in
length, and will be water-cooled by the
circulation of 60 gallons of water per
minute for the 30>ooo-kilowatt, and 100
gallons per minute for the 35,000-kilo-
watt machine, both at minimum pres-
sure of 20 pounds per square inch from
the turbine-driven pumps. For lubri-
cation of turbine bearings 40 gallons of
oil per minute will be required at mini-
mum pressure of 30 pounds per square
inch. In each instance the oil is drawn
from a tank of 15-barrels capacity, cast
into the base of the machine, and is
normally circulated by a geared pump
driven from the shaft of the machine it-
self. Further, there will be a duplex
steam pump of ample capacity for use
in case of trouble with the gear pump.
Condensing System
The water supply for the new as
well as the old stations is taken from
the Schuylkill River through a 10-foot common
supply intake tunnel with an extension of a 7^4-
foot diameter funnel with 38.48 square feet area
to the new station, the latter requiring circulating water
for condensation o-f approximately 110,000 gallons per
minute in summer time for full load of 65,000 killowatts,
which is the maximum capacity of the turbines in the
new plant. This amount of water will require a speed
of approximately 6 feet per second in the intake tunnel.
{To be continued)

May, 1916

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THE thirty-ninth convention of the National Elec-
tric Light Association takes place in Chicago,
from May 22nd to 26th. The headquarters of
the convention will be the Congress and Auditorium
Hotels, located at Congress and Michigan Aves. on the
Lake front.

This will be the seventh visit of the association to
its birth place, since its creation in 1885.

An elaborate program has been prepared and great
care taken for the comfort of the members while en
route and during their stay. The hotel convention has
issued a list of over a score of hotels, while the Trans-
portation Committee has seen to it thatsufficient means
of transportation will be available. The Red Special
leaves the Grand Central Terminal in New York City
on Sunday, May 21st, at 12.50 p. m., arriving in Chi-
cago, La Salle Street station, at 11.50 a. m. Monday.
The Pink Special leaves the Pennsylvania Terminal,
New York City, on Sunday, May 21st, at 11.06 a. m.,
stopping at Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Altoona and
Pittsburgh and arriving in Chicago (Union Station) at
10 a. m., Monday, May 22nd.

The Purple Special leaves St. Louis at 9 a. m., Mon-
day, May 22nd, arriving in Chicago at 4.45 p. m.

The exhibits will be made in the Auditorium Thea-
tre, which is very close to the meeting rooms.

One of the additional features of the convention will
be the affiliation of the Electric Vehicle Association.
It will hold sessions at which numerous papers and re-
ports on vehicle topics will be presented, and there
will be an exhibit of automobiles and accessories.

The method of registering delegates from outside
the Chicago district will be the same as that employed
in previous years.

Below is given the program of the work to be done
at t he Chicago convention, May 22nd-26th, the first
meeting being held on Tuesday, May 23rd. As usual,
the program is subjected to revision, but is not likely
to be departed from except in one or two minor re-
spects. At San Francisco, in 191 5, the working ses-
sions for various reasons were limited to three days — :
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday — but at Chicago
this year, as at Philadelphia in 1914, there will be ses-'
sions on Friday morning, it being literally impossible
to crowd all the work into three days. The program
inidcates that a large amount of important business
now arranged carries over until Friday, to say nothing
of what may possibly develop in the meantime. There
are three special new features of the program this year.
In the first place, three sessions are occupied by the
new Electric Vehicle Section, and in the second place
two are devoted to the new Company Section Commit-
tee which is doing splendid work in the development of
this branch of Association usefulness. The third item
of change is that the Public Policy meeting will not
be a great big spectacular affair this year, but an execu-
tive session, open only to Class A operating companies

and their representatives, to discuss and determine the
inner matters of management and outer aspects of re-
lationship to regulatory bodies. It will be noted that
there are many new items on the program evidencing
the broader and newer conditions of the industry. A
more attractive program was never presented to the
membership that than which follows:

General and Executive Sessions

TUESDAY, MAY 23, 10 A. M.

I — Welcome to the city, Mayor Thompson.

2 — Address of President Lloyd.

3 — Announcements.

4 — Report of committee on organization of the industry (mem-
bership), George Williams.

5 — Report of the secretary, T. C. Martin.

6 — Report of insurance expert, W. H. Blood, Jr.

7- — Report of committee on progress, T. C. Martin.

8 — Report on Question Box, S. A. Sewall.

Q — Report of committee on relations with educational institutions.
J. E. Gilchrist.

io — Report of committee on company sections, F. J. Arnold.

TUESDAY, MAY 2^, 8.3O P. M.

i — Report of committee on public policy, W. W. Freeman.
2 — Report of committee on taxation of public utilities, John A.
Britton.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, IO A. M.

I — Report of treasurer, W. H. Atkins.
2 — Election of committee on nominations.
3 — Report of committee on rate research, Alex Dow.
4 — Report of committee on constitution and by-laws, R. S. Orr.
5 — Report of committee on geographic sections, Louis D. Gibbs.
6 — Address : "The Society for Electrical Development," J. M.
Wakeman.

FRIDAY, MAY 26, IO A. M.

I — Awarding Doherty, Williams and Frasse prizes.

2 — Report of nominating committee.

3 — Report of committee on president's address.

4 — Report of committee on memorials.

5 — Report of committee on resolutions.

6 — Election and installation of officers; adjournment.

Commercial Sessions

TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2.30 P. M.

i — Chairman's address, J. F. Becker.
2 — Report of committee on finance, E. A. Edkins.
3 — Report of committee on membership, H. N. McConnell.
4 — Report of committee on publications, C. A. Littlefield.
5 — Report of committee on salesman's hand book, M. S. Seelman.
6 — Report of committee on education of salesmen, F. R. Jenkins.
7 — Paper : "The Way to Make a Salesman," Earl E. Whitehorne.
8 — Report of committee on merchandising and recent develop-
ments in electrical appliances, W. G. Stetson.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 10 A. M.

1 — Report of committee on wiring, R. S. Hale.

2 — Report of committee on lamps, Frank W. Smith.

3 — Report of committee on electric ranges, W. R. Putnam.

4 — Election of committee on nominations.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2.3O P. M.

1 — Report of power sales bureau, C. J. Russell.

2- — Paper: "Central Station Service in the Manufacture of Arti-
ficial Ice," C. J. Carlson.

3 — Report of committee on new industrial applications of elec-
tricity, P. Torchio.

4 — Report of industrial electric heating bureau, C. F. Hirshfeld.

THURSDAY, MAY 25, 10 A. M.

1 — Report of lighting sales bureau, John G. Learned.

2 — Report of committee on commercial aspects of highway and
municipal lighting, T. F. Kelly.

3 — Report of committee on industrial and yard lighting, Oliver
R. Hogue.

4- — Lecture: "Lighting — A By-Product or a Buy Product" (il-
lustrated), William A. Durgin.

3°

May, 1916

THURSDAY, MAY 25, 2.3O P. M.

I — Paper : "Temporary Service for Municipal Sub-Service and
Other Construction," C. K. Nichols.

2— Paper: "The Resistance Heater as a Load Builder," E. F. Col-
lins. '

3 — Paper : "Electric Furnaces," R. H. Tillman.

4 — Paper : "Electric Welding, S. R. Dresser.

5 — Report of committee on competitive power sources, E. F.
Tweedy.

FRIDAY, MAY 26, 10 A. M.

I — Report of committee on residence lighting, Fred H. Scheel.
2 — Report of committee on stores and public buildings, S. B. Bur-
rows.
3 — Report of committee on electrical advertising, A. K. King.
4 — Election and installation of officers; adjournment.

Technical and Hydroelectric Sessions

TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2.3O P. M.

1 — Chairman's address, Holton H. Scott.

2 — Report of committee on meters, C. G. Durfee.

3 — Report of committee on electrical measurements, values and

terminology, A. E. Kennelly.
4 — Paper : "Lightning Protection for Transformers," D. W.

Roper.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2.30 P. M.

I — Report of committee on underground construction, E. B.
Meyer.

2 — Report of committee on overhead line construction and in-
ductive interference, R. J. McClelland.

3 — Report of committee on hydro and transmission progress, T.
C. Martin.

THURSDAY, MAY 25, 10 A. M.

i — Report of committee on accident prevention, Martin J. Insull.
2 — Report of committee on prime movers, I. E. Moultrop.
3 — Report of committee on electrical apparatus, L. L. Elden.

THURSDAY, MAY 25, 2.30 P. M.

i — Report of committee on street lighting, S. B. Way.

2 — Report of committee on power supply for the electrification
of steam railroads, Peter Junkersfeld.

3— Paper : "Central Station Electric Systems and Railroad Pow-
er," J. Darlington.

Accounting Sessions

TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2.30 P. M.

1 — Chairman's address, H. M. Edwards.

2 — Election of nominating committee.

3 — Report of executive committee.

4 — Report of membership committee, E. J. Allegaert.

5 — Report of committee on classification of accounts, William

Schmidt, Jr.
6 — Report of committee on cost accounting and statistics, T. T.

Walsh.
7 — Report of the library committee, Alex Holme.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 10 A. M.

1 — Report of committee on form of annual report, C. H. Hods-
kinson.

2 — Report of committee on customers' records, E. J. Fowler.

3 — Report of committee on purchasing and storeroom account-
ing, H. F. Frasse.

THURSDAY, MAY 25, 10 A. M.

I — Paper : "Correspondence Course in Accounting," A. L. Holme

and J. R. Wildman.
2 — Report of committee on Question Box, Edwin A. Barrows.
3 — Open discussion and experience meeting.
4 — Report of committee on nominations.
5 — -Election and installation of officers; adjournment.

Electric Vehicle Sessions

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, IO A. M.

1 — Address of chairman, Walter H. Johnson.
2 — Report of secretary, A. Jackson Marshall.
3- — Report of treasurer, H. M. Edwards.
4 — Report on section activities, Secretary Marshall.
5 — Report of committee on membership, Joseph D. Israel.
6-v-Report of committee on standardizations, E. R. Whitney.
7 — Report of committee on motion picture films, Carl H. Reed.
8 — Report of committee on traffic and good roads, A. H. Man-
waring.
9 — Report of committee on insurance, Day Baker.
10 — Election of nominating committee.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2.30 P. M.

1 — -Report of committee on garages and rates, George B. Foster.
2 — Report of committee on legislation, P. D. Wagoner.

3 — Report of committee on federal and municipal transportation,

James H. McGraw.
4 — Paper : "Industrial Truck Applications," C. W. Squires.
5 — Paper : "Electric Truck Problems and How to Minimize

Them," F. E. Whitney.
6 — Paper : "The Relations of Tires to Electric Vehicle Efficiency,"

S. N. Norton.
7 — Paper : "Greater Garage Service," Harry Salvat.

THURSDAY, MAY 25, 10 A. M.

1 — Report of committee on operating records, W. P. Kennedy.
2 — Report of committee on central station co-operation, E. S.

Mansfield.
3 — Paper : "The Exchange Battery System," P. D. Wagoner.
4 — Paper : "Passenger Vehicle Problems and Activities," E. P.

Chalfant.
5 — Paper : "Central Station Promotion of Electric Vehicle Use,"

W. P. Kennedy.
6 — Report of committee on nominations.
7 — Election and installation of officers; adjournment.

Company Sections Sessions

THURSDAY, MAY 25, 2.30 P. M.

1 — Paper : "The Company Section and the Company," M. S.
Seelm'an, Jr.

2 — Paper : "Financing Company Sections," A. L. Atmore.

3 — Paper : "Company Section Educational Work," Douglass Bur-
nett.

4 — Paper : "Company Section Entertainment and Recreation,"
A. D. Bailey. "

FRIDAY, MAY 26, 10 A. M.

1 — -Paper : "Employees' Activities : Should They All Be Under the

Auspices of the N. E. L. A. Company Section," J. D.

Israel.
2 — Formation and methods of conducting company sections, E. C

Stone.
3 — Suggestions by committee on company sections, F. J. Arnold;

adjournment.

<$» <f> <$»

Profess©* Pmjptn Honored

Prof. M. I. Pupin has been awarded the Herbert prize for
physics by the French Academy of Sciences for his important
services to telegraphy and .telephony and his method of har-
monic analysis. Professor Pupin has turned over the prize,
which was 1,000 francs (about $200), to a fund for women and
children who have been made widows and orphans by the
present European war. The Hughes prize was awarded by
the Academy to M. R. Marcelin, a young scientist of the first
rank, and the Gaston Plante prize to M. Marcel Molin for
his researches in radiation. Both of these men were killed
in September, 1914. Of the thirty-seven awards made eleven
were to men who fell in battle. . .

♦♦♦ »♦* ■*

H!te©til©al Ci

The General Electric Company now has the largest forces it
has ever had at work. In the Schnectady plant there are said
to be 18,000 employes. Other plants are proportionally busy.
Orders are coming in as rapidly as ever and extensions are still
being planned.

The Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company also
reports unprecedented activity, the employes now numbering
over 20,000. Both companies have lately advanced the price of
products 10 per cent, on account of the constantly increasing
cost of raw materials.

W®$@ff W©m®i? IPff®fj<B<s£ ©m M@^a©asa ^©rdldi?

A plan to restrict the shifting of the channel of the Rio
Grande and incidentally to develop water-power to the extent
of 300,000 horsepower, and to provide irrigation for 2,000,000
acres of land, is proposed in a report issued by the Federal Bu-
reau of Water Conservation containing the combined opinions
of a number of engineers. The plan recommends the erection
of several dams to hold the waters of Texas streams and urges
a considerable amount of work along the Rio Grande to prevent
the constant changing of the international boundary.

May, 1916

Load Dispatcher

When two or more principal power houses were originally
combined into one system it became impossible for an operator
in one power house to personally see and operate the apparatus
in the other stations, which perforce introduced the telephone
as an intermediary in power plant operation, much to the com-
plication of operation. This condition became more difficult
until finally the principal large companies have adopted a "dis-
patcher" system similar to the railroad "dispatcher." A load dis-
patcher is located at some convenient point, which often is not
at a powej- house, and is placed in charge of the whole system
and personally directs every operation in all stations. He is in
telephone communication with all operators and keeps a record
of the changes and connections made in each part of the system
of a system of pins and markers on a large map or plan of
the circuits and apparatus of the plant. This system works very
satisfactorily.

Voltages in Use

A few years ago, when transmission distances were ordinarily
limited to about 100 miles, 60,000 volts came to be recognized
as a usual standard, though here and there a plant utilized 80,000
volts. With the advent of the steel tower line longer trans-
missions have grown up and 100,000 to 110,000 has been very
generally used as a network voltage and has been found very
satisfactory. There are certain instances when special trunk
lines have been installed at 130,000 to 150,000 volts (Big Creek
Power Company of Los Angeles, California and Commonwealth
Company of Michigan), but these constitute rather direct trans-
missions of a large block of power to local distributions than
networks properly speaking. This voltage would be too high for
the economic delivery of power in small units on account of the
cost of the step-down apparatus. Large plants in the big cities,
especially where the distribution is to a considerable part under-
ground, use 12,000 to 20,000 volts for their networks, but systems
using overhead construction and involving longer distances will
almost universally use a voltage as high as 60,000.

The two standard methods of line construction for high-
tension networks, viz : steel towers and wooden poles need not
be here discussed.

Within the last four or five years there has been a rapid de-
velopment in the use of out-door transformer stations and
switching stations. This practice which has the advantage of
permitting the use of ample spacing for high-tension lines and
other apparatus results also in a great saving in building costs.
It is found satisfactory in locations where the weather con-
ditions are not too severe. There seems to be no difficulty in
building transformer and switches weather proof at a relatively
small increase in expense.

The features of these power networks now demanding the
most attention are : cost, mechanical capability of withstanding
sleet and wind, lightning protection and high-tension insulators.
The cost of long lines puts a heavy fixed charge on the earnings
of the power company and must be kept as low as is safe. This
result is to be secured by painstaking care in the details of de-
sign and erection.

While never more than a very small part of any particular
line gives trouble, the result is the disabling of a whole line

^Continued from April Issue.

section, and this accident has resulted so frequently in recent
years as to be objectionable, especially is it so with steel tower
construction where a tower which falls cannot be erected again
to replace the break. The loss of time in getting a section of
steel tower line which has once gone down back into service is
considerable and often times temporary wooden construction
across the break is required. The more usual causes of trouble
have been, sleet, insufficient foundations, especially foundations
in damp places, and weakening of towers by improper installa-
tion.

Some trouble has been experienced when wires have been
strung loose in gusty places, such as canyons. This is to be
avoided by tight stringing, short spans and extra clearances.

Lightning in some districts is very troublesome, especially in
causing interruptions of service, and to a much less extent caus-
ing injury to apparatus. Protection from this difficulty is at
best uncertain and difficult and should be considered by a special-
ist.

Millions of high-tension insulators have been manufactured
and used during the last few years and while very successful
power service has been given by many companies these insu-
lators themselves have not made as good a record as may be
expected in the future. Many insulators have deteriorated and
shown porcelain cracks without any undue electrical or mechan-
ical stress. This has been due partly to ceramic causes, partly
to improper burning and partly to bad design, which has per-
mitted temperature expansion of the metal parts to bring
mechanical strains on the porcelain. This condition is like light-
ning, very obscure and technical, and it is to be met by care-
ful testing of designs and manufactured product and test and
inspection of individual insulators after installation. This course,
while somewhat expensive, will secure good service as far as
the insulators are concerned.

There has been for many years a discussion as to the advis-
ability of grounding the neutral point of a high voltage trans-
mission system. The question still remains unsettled and the
various considerations unsolved are too complex to be here dis-
cussed.

Another aspect of the power transmission system that is
coming into the foreground very prominently is its relation to
other electric systems in the same neighborhood such as the
railroads, telephone and telegraph systems, and even (from a
legal point of view) to the public on the streets and highways.
The necessity of crossing over such other systems, which often
own their own rights of way, has developed special construction
specifications which are insisted on by the companies crossed to
safeguard their systems. These crossings are an unavoidable
source of annoyance and expense. Again, transmission lines
where extended, or of high voltage, may cause inductive dis-
turbance in parallel systems of wires, very detrimental to tele-
phone, telegraph or signal service and sometimes even danger-
ous. There is a growing tendency for the authorities to assume
control of construction and operation as far as such interference
is concerned.

Many other considerations naturally arise in the design and
operation of networks and power plants, but those here touched
upon are the features most discussed at the present time and
those which present the greatest need of the exercise of good
judgment.

May, 1916

Rapid progress in the design and construction of motors and
auxiliary appliances for use on commercial electric trucks has
been made within the last few years and at the present time such
vehicles combine sturdiness, efficiency of operation, and re-
liability. In the design of the motors the efficiency has been
increased to a large extent on normal loads and overloads,
while all unnecesary weight has been removed without impair-
ing the speed and torque characteristics so essential to motors
taking their energy from storage batteries. Unlike motors for
all other classes of work it can have no protective devices such
as circuit breakers and fuses, as such protection is impracticable
on account of the excessive demand for power made when the
vehicle is at a critical point in its operation. This is illustrated
by the ascending of a heavy grade or a bad place for starting
where power is needed the most and the motor must be relied
upon.

7- , Assembhnq Bolts

Terminals r.^iw r ,/ ,■ ,

t/ela tor attachinq hanqer

■ ^.--V ■. r-. Ring-.

Fron t end
Bracket

TJJjbil

Commutator Door

Fig. 1. — A Typical Vehicle Motor

It is apparent, therefore, that vehicle motors must be de-
signed and constructed to withstand all the power that can
be applied to the propulsion of the vehicle for which it is built.
It is not generally possible to give motors of this kind a
rating in horsepower and it has been found preferable to rate

Forward
4 3 2 1

Figure 2

them entirely with reference to the vehicles to which they are
adapted. Fig. 1 shows a typical vehicle motor v hich gives its
nomenclature.

Controlling apparatus has been modified and it is standard
practice to combine the field windings with proper shunting
connections and obtain a large number of speeds at high ef-
ficiency. Figs. 2 and 3 show the connections of two modern
controllers. By reference to Fig. 2 it will be observed that
on the first point of the controller the motor and the batteries

are connected in series with a resistance which is cut out
partially on the second point and wholly cut out on the third
point. At the fourth point of the controller some resistance is
shunted across the field windings; at the fifth point the field
windings are connected in multiple, and at the sixth point, or
the point of highest speed, the field windings are connected
in multiple with a small resistance shunted around them. For
the three reverse speeds resistance control is used. In the type
of controller shown in Fig. 3, the first and the second points
are connected to the rheostat with the field windings in
series. The third point shunts some resistance across the field
windings which are still connected in series, and on the fourth
point, or highest speed, the field windings are connected in mul-
tiple. The two reverse speeds are controlled by resistance.
This type of- controller does not open the motor circuit from
the first to the last point, and the torque never falls below a
certain predetermined value and is applicable to both single
and double motor equipments.

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OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

Operation and care of an electric truck is a simple matter if
ordinary precautions are taken. Judgment in driving should
be exercised and the vehicle should not be overloaded or driven
at excessive speeds. All of the parts should be kept clean and
in proper 'adjustment, and the battery kept in good condition
and properly cleaned. It is essential also that all bolts and nuts
be kept tight. In starting a truck, time must be allowed to at-
tain a certain speed before moving the controller to the next
notch and the car should not be run longer than necessary on
the first two notches. which include the resistance in series with
the motor. It is advisable to open the main switch and always
set the brakes before leaving the vehicle, as by so doing the
motor and the bell are disconnected from the battery and the
truck cannot start alone. The controller shaft and its bearings
should be oiled occasionally and the surface of the controller
segments kept in proper condition by the use of fine sandpaper.
A small amount of vaseline may be used for lubricating the
contacts.

May, 1916

The onyl parts of the motor needing attention are the com-
mutator, brushes, and bearings. Each motor should be inspect-
ed at least once a week and the commutator should be examined
when the motor is running with the rear truck wheels jacked
up, to detect any sparking which may be due to dirty or worn
commutator or to a broken brush. The commutator may be
lubricated slightly with vaseline on a clean cloth while the
motor is running. A good commutator lubricant is made by
stirring powdered graphite into boiling paraffine and moulding
the mixture into sticks about the size of an ordinary candle.
This is applied by touching the end of the stick to the surface
of the revolving commutator.

ly adjusted before the vehicle leaves the factory, and under
ordinary operating condition they will not need attention for
six months, except to clean with kerosene or gasoline and re-
pack with non-fluid oil once a month or oftener if it becomes
necessary. Wheel bearings should never be adjusted so as to
resist rotation and should be adjusted so that a little end shake
can be felt. Loosening the axle nut one half a turn after
the wheel is set up tightly is usally sufficient. In some makes
of vehicles the counter-shaft bearings may be adjusted for wear
by adding thin steel adjusting washers between the bearing
cones and the sprockets. In single motor types of vehicles
the differential should receive the same inspection and lubrica-

14
12

tor rreparinq c/ecrroiyreotany
•Specific Gravity

irts of Water to 1 part of Sulphuric
Acid '08.35 Sp.Gr. 93.19% H.SO. )

10
9
8
7
6
5
4
J
2

w.--- Parts by Volume

Parts buy
Weight

)60

1460

POUNDS OF 1835 ACID REQUIRED (60 DEG.FAHR.)
25 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43

SPECIFIC GRAVITY DESIRED

Figure 5

Brakes should be examined daily and the leather brake band
facing renewed when much worn. The brake toggle should be
adjusted so that there is never more than one-eighth inch
space between the brake band and the drum when the brake is
released. If the brake does not hold firmly and is found to be
sufficiently tight, it may be greasy and should be washed with
gasoline. The brakes should not be applied too suddenly except
in emergency, as damage to the tires is liable to occur. On
vehicles using chains, those driving the wheels should be taken
off once a month and washed with kerosene oil and then soaked
in hot tallow or heavy grease. The chains should show some
slack when running as too close or too tight chains may run
off or be the cause of excessive rear. Motor chains should be
lubricated twice a week with heavy grease.

Bearings on the motors, wheels and countershafts are proper-

Pounds of Acid Required to make

From l.diSAcid

'From 1300 Acid

1.300
1.290

Q 1.270
o

5 1.260

I L25°
fe 1.240
tu
d 1.230

° 1.220

5 1.21.0
o 1.200

O 1.1 90

"-> 1.1
Q
LJ

5£ 1.170

g U60

' 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94
P0UNDSOF 1300 ACID REQUIRED(70 DEG.FAHR.)

Figure 6

tion as the bearings. The grease cup should be screwed down
one turn every morning and all other parts oiled twice a week.
All parts of the steering gear bearings must be kept properly
lubricated.

CARE OF BATTERY

In the lead plate type of storage battery the electrolyte con-
sists of a sulphuric acid and water solution which, when the
cell is fully charged, should have a specific gravity of 1.270 to
1.280. While the battery is being discharged, the electrolyte
becomes weaker, as part of the acid is combined in the plates
in producing current. Since electrolyte expands when heated,
its specific gravity is affected by a change in temperature. The
specific gravity is measured by a hydrometer, which is a glass

AMPERES

—

■'^N?"

Fig. 7. — Maximum Safe Charging Rates for Boosting

May, 1916

tube in which there is a graduated scale and a bulb at the bot-
tom of the tube which is suitably weighted. The depth to which
the hydrometer sinks into the liquid depends upon the latter's
specific gravity and is registered by the graduated scale. Figs.
5 and 6 are curves issued by the Electric Storage Battery Com-
pany which show respectively parts of water to parts of sul-
phuric acid for electrolyte of any specific gravity, and pounds
of acid required to make 100 pounds of electrolyte.

When a new battery is received there are certain specific
instructions which must be followed. In general, when unpack-
ing a battery, the trays should be kept right side up to avoid
spilling the electrolyte, and the soft rubber plugs should be
removed from the cells after thoroughly removing all packing
material, to see that the cells contain the proper amount of
solution, which should be about one-half inch above the plates.
If the electrolyte is too low, enough pure water should b?
added to bring the level to the proper height. The battery
should be placed on charge at a low rate given on the name
plate of each tray until the cells gas uniformly, then the current
reduced one-half for three hours when the battery is ready for
use. It is best practice to charge the battery not oftener than
once a week unless the nature of the service requires that it
shall be done. An ampere hour meter, when used, should be
adjusted to give the battery the amount of charge necessary
to produce uniform gassing at the finishing rate, which indi-
cates the completion of the regular rate. The amount is usually
10 or 15 per cent, in excess of the discharge. The weekly
equalizing charge should be given irrespective of the ampere
meter.

The battery condition should be checked with the hydro-
meter once a month after the regular equalizing charge. If the
specific gravity of any cell is higher than 1.300 or lower than
1.250, the cause should be promptly investigated and corrected.
Evaporation should be replaced every five to fifteen days, de-
pending upon the conditions of service. The best time for
adding water is just before a charge. Auxiliary charging,
called boosting, consists of a partial charge given in a com-
paratvely short time and at current rates higher than normal.
A battery may be boosted when fully discharged, or only par-
tially discharged. Boosting with a fixed voltage is the best
method since it is automatic and is applicable where the voltage

available is about 2.3 per cell of battery, for example, no volts
for 48 cells. When the charging rate is higher than that re-
quired it may be cut down by introducing counter-electro-
motive force cells.

Another method used for boosting is with aproximate con-
stant potential with a fixed resistance connected in series with
the battery. The battery voltage should be read after closing
the circuit and the resistance cut out so that for 48 cells the
voltage will be no; 44 cells, 98; 42 cells, 92; 40 cells, 86; and
38 cells 80 volts. In some cases it is more convenient to give
a boost at a constant current, and as there is generally a limited
time available, it is desirable to know under any conditions what
rate is safe which can be determined from the chart, Fig. 7.
In the left-hand column of the chart find the figure nearest to
the ampere hours discharged from the battery and follow to the
right to the diagonal corresponding to the available time. Im-
mediately below this point in the bottom row of figures the re-
quired current is given.

Sediment collects at the bottom of the jar in a space provided
for that purpose, the rate at which the sediment collects depend-
ing largely on whether the battery has been properly charged.
It is best to .remove the sediment after 100 or 150 charges to
determine the rate at which the sediment is collecting in order
to estimate the proper intervals for the regular cleaning. If
the battery has not been allowed to become sulphated and the
sediment has not reached the bottom of the plates, the cleaning
operation is a comparatively easy process. Before cleaning, the
battery should be fully charged. If the battery is in a sulphated
condition without the sediment reaching the bottom of the plates,
or if the sediment has reached the bottom of the plates the bat-
tery must be thoroughly cleaned in a manner directed by the
instructions accompanying the battery, also treated for sulpha-
tion. After the battery has been cleaned it should be placed on
charge as shown in Fig. 8 and given a finishing charge at
the regular rate. After about fifteen minutes the voltage of each
cell should be noted and the readings recorded, which insures
that all of the cells have been properly connected. If properly
connected each cell should read above two volts, if it does not
it is probably reversed in its connections. The cells should then
be discharged through a resistance as shown in Fig. 9 to de-
termine if there are any low cells or defective assembling.

Rheosta I-
(Aijustab,e)

Fig. 8. — Charging Connections

Fig. 9. — Discharging Connections

The regular monthly prizes were awarded for Safety First
Suggestions by the Louisville Gas & Electric Company at a re-
cent meeting, suggestions being adopted : First prize, Joseph L.
Brown, engineer, the placing of an electric gong on the elevated'
coal switch at the Waterside Station to indicate the passing of
engines or cars ; second prize, W. H. Kelley, stable foreman, the
placing of a fire plug to facilitate action in case of fire; third
prize, W. K. Cowherd, use of boxes for keeping rubber gloves
for linemen to prevent punctures.

A course of five free lectures on military engineering, which
will be open to all engineers and technical men, will be given
each Wednesday in May at Carnegie Music Hall, Pittsburgh, Pa.,
under the auspices of the Engineers' Society of Western Penn-
sylvania. The speakers will be Lieut. -Col. F. R. Shunk, Maj.
P. S. Bond, Maj. J. C. Oakes and Capt. C. L. Sturdevant, all of
the corps of engineers of the United States Army, and A. L.
Humphrey, vice-president of the Westinghouse Air Brake Co.

May, 1916

TSa^

1 ^(gstfing) ©$ Haas\M31c

In the past year or so considerable publicity has been given
to the method of testing insulators with high frequency. It is
now the practice of every large insulator manufacturer to test
with sixty cycle current either parts of insulators or the as-
sembled insulator. This test served to weed out a certain class
of faults. Several operating companies have sought to further
insure against faulty insulators by submitting every insulator to
a routine high frequency test.

Insulators Under Test

Portable Sets Can Be Easily Transported

The high frequency test offers many advantages over the
sixty cycle test. High frequency current is very searching and
will detect flaws in the porcelain due to the presence of foreign
matter which would remain hidden at normal frequency. As
a matter of fact many insulators which have failed under the
high frequency test will show up all right at normal frequencies.
The high frequency test outfit, as built by several manufacturers,
is easily transported from job to job and may be used by at-
tachment ■ to an ordinary no-volt lamp socket. This makes it
possible to ship insulators and set to the various sites which are
convenient to the construction of new lines. Thus insulators
may be installed immediately after testing. There is an element
of safety in the use of high frequency as the men become ac-
customed to slight shocks while the same contacts at sixty cycles
would result in a fatality. The method of testing can be ar-
ranged so as to have flexibility and rapidity.

for testing is at hand. In the laboratory, the essential is to
select the best insulator from various types and designs. On
the other hand, in the routine test, it is assumed that all this
preliminary work has been done and the remaining object is to
decide which are good and which are bad insulators.
Skilled Labor Not Necessary

In job or routine testing the conditions with which to work
are of a vastly different nature. The insulators are shipped to
storerooms situated near to where the line construction is
being done. There is no equipment on hand and men to do the
work must either be hired from the open market or selected
from the ground hands of the line department. This results in
men of little or no electrical experience being pressed into serv-
ice to do the testing.

In one electric company approximately sixty thousand insu-
lators have been successfully tested under the foregoing condi-
tions. The testing has been done rapidly and cheaply. Insula-
tors tested in one place were immediately installed and the set
moved to the next storeroom.

Clamp

^''Connection to
Transformer

I/O Volts

^>.

CondenserSafefy-Gap .
< to protect Condenser) ■WroTOOTTOCtf

Reactance ■ -T

"f'izoo - 60- Transformer

The test set consists essentially of a 110/13200-volt, 60-cycle
step up transformer across the terminals of which are placed
a suitable condenser and oscillation transformer. A spark gap
is placed in one side of the circuit by means of which the voltage
may be regulated.

The problem of the routine testing of insulators is a different
one from the tests which may be made in the laboratory. In tne
laboratory the tests are usually to determine certain character-
istics of the insulator relative to design and manufacture. The
ability of the insulator to withstand endurance tests is a matter
for the laboratory to consider. The rigging for making these
tests can be elaborate and of a permanent nature as every facility

Connection to
^c"- Ground

Above — Suspension In-
sulalor ready for test.
At left — Test-connection
Clamp.

'-ever to open and
ctose C/amp

In the early forms of high frequency testing sets, one side of
the high tension was not grounded, as is now the practice, and
care had to be exercised about the testing rack, and no insula-
tors could be removed until the rack was "dead." For testing,
a cross arm is provided into which are set ten pieces of pipe
about fifteen inches in length. Upon these pins the insulators
to be tested are placed. These pins are then tied together with a
length of wire which is connected to one side of the oscillation
transformer. A clamp, consisting of a split ring which may be
opened and closed so as to slip around the side tie wire groove
of the insulator, is fastened to a spring which forms a part of
the lead to the other side of the oscillation transformer.

Ten insulators are placed upon the rack and the operator
places the clamp upon the first insulator. The switch being-
closed the current arcs around the insulator. The man who
inspects the insulators sits in front of the rack, and if the insu-
lator is alright, after a predetermined time element has elapsed,
signals the operators to move on to the next insulator. He
loosens the clamp and slides over to the next insulator and so
on until the tenth one has been tested, when the switch is
pulled. The tested insulators are then removed and a new series
placed upon the rack. This method of testing has been worked
successfully where the testing set has had no grounded side.
(Continued on Page 47)

May, 1916

The first American to make important discoveries in elec-
tro-magnetic science was Joseph Henry, who independently
discovered the laws of electro-magnetic induction about the
same time as Faraday, but did not follow up his discovery in
the way that so distinguished the great Englishman.

Joseph Henry was born at Albany, New York, December
17th, 1799. His family were Scotch people who had been
in America for only about twenty-five years. True to the
tradition of most of the great names in electric science his
people were of good stocky but quite poor in this world's
goods. His father died when Joseph was seven years old and
while his mother took in boarders the lad was sent to live
in a small town with one of his relatives.

Here young Henry remained until he was fourteen, when
he was apprenticed to a watch-maker at Albany. Later he.
became a pupil at the Albany Academy and afterward a dis-
trict school teacher, but he was an assiduous student and
was finally appointed Professor of Mathematics at the Albany
Academy in 1826. A little while before this he had acted as
civil engineer in layng out a projected state road in the
southern counties of New York.

In 1827 he produced his first important paper which was
a study of the electro-magnets made by William Sturgeon
in England in 1825. These were the first "horseshoe" elec-
tro magnets to be made and Henry, using, for the first time,
insulated wire for the windings, was able to construct mag-
nets that with the small currents then available would never-
theless lift hundreds of pounds.

His next step was the demonstration of the possibility of
producing strong electro-magnetic action at a distance by
means of what he called "intensity batteries and windings"
by which he meant cells connected in series to give higher
voltages and exciting turns of the magnet winding all in
series to give the maximum ampere-turns. He also showed
that the same magnetising effect could be gotten from turns
in multiple connected to batteries of cells in parallel, but that
the effect could not be transmitted any considerable distance
economically.

In 1831 he constructed a reciprocating electric motor and

built a magnet that lifted 2,300 lbs.

In discovering the great principle of electro-magnetic in-
duction Prof. Henry used one of his large electro-magnets
capable of lifting seven hundred pounds. Across the poles
of the magnet he laid a "keeper" or armature on which he
had wound about thirty feet of insulated wire, between the
ends of which he connected a galvanometer. When the
main exciting current of the magnet was made or interrupted,
the inducing of a current in the winding on the armature
was shown by a "kick" of the galvanometer needle. This was
in July, 1831 — about two months before Faraday arrived at
the same result.

These inventions excited great interest all through the
country and in 1832 the young professor was appointed to the
chair of natural philosophy at Princeton, where he remained
for fifteen years. Here he had far better resources than he
had ever, enjoyed before and he continued his original re-
searches with great success.

Among other things he showed that induced currents in-
duce other currents, so that there are various orders of induc-
tion. He also showed that the field around a current-carrying
conductor extended out in space to an indefinite distance and
followed the same law of intensity as light. He applied
electric signals to the measure of the velocity of the flight of
projectiles; proved that atmospheric electrical discharges are
oscillatory and by means of the thermo-galvanometer showed
that sun-spots radiate less heat than the rest of the sun's sur-
face.

The National Smithsonian Institute for the "increase and
diffusion of knowledge among men" was founded in 1847.
Henry, whose plans for its organization were the ones which
were accepted, was unanimously elected its secretary and
director, and moving to Washington, began the long service
with the institute that lasted over thirty years and only
ended with his life.

In many respects his acceptance of this honor was a loss to
science for its exacting duties left him little time to devote to
experimental work. Henceforth he mostly directed the works
of others and his services in this line were no less distin-
guished than what he had done at Princeton, though they
were necessarily of much wider range.

As director of the institute, Prof. Henry laid the founda-
tions of the broad activities of that corporation. He organiz-
ed the telegraphic transmission of. weather reports from all
points of the continent and from points in Canada and Mex-
ico. This work later grew into the Weather Bureau. He
also introduced the system of international exchange of
scientific literature and founded the library of the institute.
He found time to investigate the acoustics of public build-
ings and took great interest in the establishment of light-
houses and fog signals along our coast, becoming the head
of the Lighthouse Board in 1871.

Full of years and happy in having lived to see his inven-
tions come into practical use all over the world, he died in
Washington, May 13, 1878.

Prof. Henry was not only the foremost physicist of this
country, but was a man of great modesty and sweetness of
manner. He was. the soul of honor and generosity, a Chris-
tian in every sense and deeply loved by the many young
men whose lives he helped to influence at Princeton and also
in Washington.

In naming the units of electrical measurement, the Inter-
national Electrical Congress, as a tribute to Henry's work
with inductive circuits, named the unit of self-inductance,
the "henry." It is the amount of inductance that with a
current of uniform rate of change i.e. one ampere per second,
will give a counter-electromotive force of one volt.

■iiikiiniiiiiiLi

■■■■■■III!

...,,., illillill

WITHIN a few days Chicago will be the gather-
ing place of electrical men from every part
of the country. Based on the experience of
thirty-eight years, the plans for the annual convention
of the National Electric Light Association have left no
point overlooked which will add to the success of the
occasion. No urging is now necessary to secure a
large attendance; the mere announcement of such a
program as appears on another page will bring every
central-station man who can possibly take the trip.

For those who attend, the returns will be many.
Probably the most important will be the getting ac-
quainted with other men who have like difficulties to
face, and learning what solutions they find successful.
The man from the far West who has a capricous public
to keep in good humor is prone to think that his are the
very hardest conditions to meet. His brother from the
East, however, can tell him of a similar case and how
this or that judicious bit of "good-will" publicity turn-
ed the tide in his favor. All servants of the public are
fighting shoulder to shoulder in a common cause, and
such a meeting, bringing men for a few days into close
touch, heartens them mightly to renew the battle
against ignorance and prejudice.

It is the good fortune of both the stay-at-homes and
their more fortunate associates that the proceedings of
the convention will be published. The next issue of
"Electrical Age" will contain liberal abstracts from the
various papers, as well as the news-story of the con-
vention. Members will later receive the proceedings
in full. It is thus unnecessary for anyone to burden
himself with note-taking. He may listen to and en-
joy the speeches with a mind free to catch the inspira-
tion of the able men who speak.

Indirectly, the convention benefits the electrical in-
dustry through the evidence it gives the public of the
high standards of men and methods in the electrical
field. The word of a group of men that they are hon-
estly administering the trust given them is what, in

the last analysis, the public must depend on. No com-
mission control can force a company to be efficient, for
an indifferent or dishonest management can evade any
"system." The sight of a body of the most intelli-
gent men in the land, meeting together to devise better
ways of serving the public, will go far toward assur-
ing in the American public that private ownership of
public utilities is best.

AS THE Age goes to press we learn that one of
our esteemed contemporaries, who publishes a
weekly electrical paper is to bring out a month-
ly electrical paper, too — sort of a colt to trot at mother's
side and eat what green grass the mother misses in the
advertising pastures.

This was tried ten years ago by the same publishers
with much success; but the colt ate the grass so fast in
the weekly pasture the monthly offspring was finally
killed to insure sustenance, no doubt, for the parent.

Now that the same experiment is to be tried again
it doubly emphasizes the fact that "The Monthly's the
thing." Students of technical publishing have had ample
proof in recent years that the only demand for a weekly
technical journal exists in the pocket of the publisher.
We congratulate our contemporary, therefore, for their
courage in admitting this, and welcome it most cordially
to the monthly fold. We also express our appreciation
for the continued privilege afforded Electrical Age
to represent the industry as a whole, once a month, the
announced purpose of our contemporary being only to
represent one branch of the trade.

As "the National Monthly of Electrical Practice,"
Electrical Age has already become known as the Na-
tional Monthly of Authority regarding everything elec-
trical, and in attaining this we are not unmindful of the
compliment evidenced by the encouragement our suc-
cess has given to others.

♦j. <$» <f»

A Wegjlecgte'dl ©ppostmnit^

THERE is scarcely any electrical repair shop, how-
ever small, which does not have a show-win-
dow before which quite a number of people
pass every day. Yet any salesman who gets about
among this section of the trade will testify that only
the smallest number of these windows contain any
display which is likely to make sales.

May, 191b

The show-window has several advantages over any
other advertising medium. Few persons who see it
are not customers, present or prospective, for the own-
er's goods or services. Its appeal to these people is
delivered when they are able to gratify the buying-im-
pulse by merely stepping into the store. It is closely
connected with the owner's business and with no one's
else ; no other dealer can readily convert the message
of the display into a "boost" for his own wares. The
reader who turns to the advertising pages of this or
any other electrical paper will note the wealth of il-
lustrations which endeavor to make the articles offered
as real as possible. The pictorial effect, secured at
considerable expense in printed advertising, is obtain-
ed with little effort in window displays. The actual
articles are shown perhaps even in the surroundings in
which they will be used.

Window advertising may be either for selling effect
or for education. Most men are interested in displays
showing how something is done. Small installations
of conduit or metal molding; completely wired tele-
phones or bells ; dissected motors or other devices are
likely to hold attention long enough to make a very
definite impression of the quality of the goods, at the
present time where business comes easily such dis-
plays may well have the preference, for merchants can
well afford to wait for the results which though sure,
are often long delayed.

To the small dealer the window-display should be a
particularly attractive means of publicity. No expense
is involved save that of labor, and that indeed may be
negligible if spare time is used. Many manufacturers
have prepared excellent window material, such as
backgrounds, cardboard cut-outs, pasters, etc. Their
use will give the dealer the prestige of association in
customers' minds with the products they see advertis-
ed in the national magazines.

To such a point has the public been educated that it
is quick to notice and condemn a slovenly window.
Several rules must be observed in order that the sales-
message may be driven home. The background should
be such that it will catch the eye ; the arrangement of
the articles should carry the eye toward a central point
of interest. Proper balance will be given by one or
more points of lesser importance. Nothing incongru-
ous should be admitted ; the announcement of an ama-
teur minstrel show has no place in a window full of
wiring supplies. The display must be kept clean and
changed frequently.

Finally, if a contractor does not wish to use his
show-windows to display goods he should either let it
give a view of a businesslike office or cover it with a
non-transparent sign. If the space must be used for
storage or workroom it should be concealed from pub-
lic gaze. No shop can present an attractive appear-
ance at all times, and the effect of a window piled full
of odd coils of wire and pieces of apparatus covered
with dust and dead flies will an give impression of the
owner's habits of neatness and order which may cost
him a customer.

fL >%

WHEN new business is coming in faster than the
installation crews or the power-house can
take care of it, the management usually stops
planning ways of getting more. Salesmen are assigned
to other duties, and advertising is cut down. When
some newspaper man calls to learn the reason for the
reduction in space, he is told that there is at present
no need for the company's name to be kept before the
public. He hears the same tale from dealers and con-
tractors, who are alike deaf to his warnings of a day
of reckoning to come.

There is a real point to that warning, but in order to
make it clear we must dwell for a moment on the two
classes of advertising. One sort is intended to sell pro-
ducts or services at once ; the other tries to create an
atmosphere of confidence and good-will about the deal-
er, so as to influence future sales. The insertion of a
simple card at regular intervals will have the effect of
establishing a connection in the public mind between
"John Jones,"' and "Electrical Contracting," and the
addition of a few words will give the added impression
that when John Jones does a job, he does it right. Two
or three years may elapse before a reader has such
work to be done, but when the time comes, he re-
members that he has been hearing about John Jones
for a long time, and instinctively he turns to Jones.

There has been much discussion of the future, and
speculation as to what business conditions will be
"after the war." We may be sure of this much at
least — when the demand for munitions ceases, there
will be nothing of so great magnitude to replace it, nor
will speed be so imperative. The very change in
character of many of our industries which will follow
the cessation of this abnormal demand will cause a
slackening which is bound to be felt. Although we
will certainly have to manufacture much equipment to
replace that destroyed in Europe, this demand will be
only temporary, and during the period of readjustment
times are likely to be dull. Then the dealer and con-
tractors who have solidly intrenched themselves in the
good will of the public by continuous good service and
persistent advertising will find themselves well prepar-
ed for any contingency. On the other hand the man
who has grown accustomed to living from the business
which "comes his way" without effort will find him-
self in the sad predicament of the man who didn't see
the need of repairing his roof in fair weather and
couldn't fix it in a storm.

^ ^©©©irdl ©i i)im(g©(ig@2mS Pi?a©1£&@® ©ml^ J^(gto®Il lEm]p®K$.®m<&m& ©& 3Pm<et!i.€al Men.

[Em

ly Tersrell Cr®fft

Electrolytic corrosion of anchor bolts may occur, when
the bolts are set directly in concrete, in locations where
"stray" electric currents will pass from the concrete through
them, or from the bolts into the concrete. Such corrosion
is liable to appear in anchor bolts in electric railway power
stations, or in those used for any purpose in cities where
earth currents are prevalent. It has been suggested that cor-
rosion of this character might be eliminated by painting the
bolts with suitable insulating paints. To determine the ef-
fect of painting in preventing electrolyic corrosion, tests
were made under the direction of H. A. Gardner, Asst. Di-
rector of the Institute of Industrial Research, in Washington.
It is the purpose of this article to briefly outline the meth-
ods of making these tests and the conclusion derived there-
from.

cylinders the rods were well cleaned and then given two
coats of paint a week for drying being allowed between suc-
cessive coats. Table I indicates the different paints that
were used on the rods in the test. After these specimens had
set for a month they were arranged in a vessel having 2-in.
of water in its bottom. One rod of each specimen was made
a cathode and the other an anode, across which an e.m.f.
of 30 volts (cut down by a resistance from no) was im-
pressed. After the current had been flowing for a week, two
of the specimens showed cracks near their bottoms. Then
each of the cylinders with the bolts imbedded in it was trans-
ferred to a separate pottery jar and immersed in water to
within 1 in. of its top as shown in Fig. r, A.

Cathode -

Objections to painting anchor bolts may be; — First, the
paint may weaken the bond between the bolt and the con-
crete in which it is 'set, rendering it easy of withdrawal;
second, where the bolt is painted the corrosion may be con-
centrated at a crack in the paint; third, the paint insulation
may be short lived. The test (see Table 1) to be described
provide some data, which is of a qualitative rather than a
quantitative nature, in answer to the objections just recited.

Specimens for the electrolysis tests were prepared as shown
in Figs. 2 and 3. Two different sets were used. The first
set comprised two 1 in. x 32 in. painted iron rods (anchor
bolts) set in a i:2-mixture, concrete cylinders each about 7
in. in diameter by 21 in. long. Before being cast in the

—MMM

Figure 2

Practically all of the cylinders cracked within ten days,
the fracture in each case starting at the anode. The speci-
mens that thus cracked could be split into two sections, Fig.
3. Those which did not crack (see Table 1), were split
longitudinally with a cold chisel, so that the imbedded rods
could (Fig. 3) be examined.

For the second set of test specimens, single j4 m- x T2 in.
painted iron rods were imbedded in 3^2 in. x 8 in. cylinders
(Fig. 1, B). After curing a month, and being immersed

May, 19 i 6

Table I— Tests of Adhesion of Bond and Corrosion of Painted

Anchor Bolts Set in Cement.

Tests were made by H. A. Gardner, Assistant Director of the Institute of Industrial Research,
Washington, D. C. These tests were reported in a lecture before the Master Painters' Association
in Philadelphia, Jan. 13, 1915.

B
a

6
0
a
a
w

PAINT
COMPOSITION

CORROSION TESTS

ADHESION
TESTS

SERIES I SERIES II.

500 Inc. 2 Rods in 7x21 !n. cylinder. 300 luc. 1 Rod in 3>£x8 in. cylinder

SERIES III.

1 Rod in 33^x8 in.
cylinder.

23
24

Unpainted Blank Specimens

Not painted

•

Not Painted.

Cracked at 240 hr. Large current throughout

test. Anodes badly corroded and pitted.
Cracked at 50 hr. Badly pitted and corroded.

Cracked at 96 hr. Large current throughout

test. Anodes badly corroded and pitted.
Cracked at 96 hr. Badly pitted and corroded.

2010 lb.
2750 lb.

Bituminous Paint

Boiled water-free coal tar, lime.
Portland cement, rosin, and
benzol.

Blown residual petroleum oil,
gilsonite, benzol and turpen-
tine.

No cracking. Only small current. Some ex-
cretion of paint at anode.

No cracking. Only small current.

No cracking only small current.
No cracking. Only small current.

1530 lb.
2810 lb.

13
14
15
16

Oil Paints

Red lead in raw linseed oil; 30
lb. per gal.

Chrome green (21% on 80$ barytes)
in raw linseed oil.

Blue lead in raw Unseed oil; 14
lb. per gal.

Chromated iron oxide in raw lin-
seed oil. 12 lb. per gal.

Blue lead in heavy-bodied linseed
oil reduced with equal quantity
of turpentine to give flat sur-
face; thin film.

Chromated iron oxide in treated
tungoil. 121b. per gal.; 'sand-
ed surface."

Equal parts 14 and 16; "sanded
surface."

Asbestine in processed tung oil;
"sanded surface."

Did not crack but large quantity of iron hy-
drate at top of specimen.

Cracked at 240 hr. Iron hydrate stain early.
Iron badly corroded.

No cracking. Slight corrosion. Iron hydrate
at surface.

No cracking. Only slight corrosion.

Small crack at 240 hr. No surface deposit
shown. Anode showed considerable corrosion

Not used.

Not used.
Not used.

Cracked at 192 hr. Iron hydrate at surface
throughout test. Iron badly corroded.

Cracked at 192 hr. Specimen sta ned. Iron
badly corroded.

No cracking. Slight corrosion. Iron hydrate
on surface.

Cracked at 141 hr. Iron oxide at top.

Small crack at 216 hr. No surface deposit.
Anode corroded.

No crackinsr; only small current; No surface
deposit. Excellent condition.

No cracking.

No cracking; only very small current; excel-
lent condition.

1370 lb.

790 lb.
12E0 lb.

980 lb.
1400 lb.

20001b.

1880 lb.
Not used

4
10
11
12
19
20

Aqueous Paints

Silicate of Soda 40° Be.

Liquid glue.

Silicate of soda 20° Be. and

graphite; equal weights.
Silicate of soda 20° Be. and iron

oxide; equal weights.
5% aqueous solution sodium re-

■inate.
5% aqueous solution sodium re-

sinate with equal weight iron

oxide.

Cracked at 240 hr.; little resistance to current.

Cracked at 240 hr. Passed large current; iren
hydrate at top and around anode in concrete.

Cracked at 144 hr.; considerable current, cor-
rosion marked.

Cracked at 240 hr.; considerable current.

Cracked at 240 hr.; more current than un-
painted .
Cracked at end of 240 hr. ; large eurrent.

Cracked at 168 hr.; little assistance to current;

some clear iron areas and some pitted.
Cracked at 96 hr.; large current; dense iron

hydrate on top. Bad corrosion.
Cracked at S6 hr.; large current; corrosion

marked.
Cracked at 192 hr.; considerable current.

Cracked at 144 hr.; considerable current.

Cracked at 196 hr.; large current.

700 lb.

1C0 lb.

Specimen faulty.

1870 lb.

1890 lb.

2580 lb.

Lacquers

Gum sandarac in alcohol, 32 oz.
fol.

Gum shellac in alcohol, 32 oz.
sol.

Soluble nitrated cotton in amyl
and ethyl acetate, -8oz. sol.

Gutta Percha in benzol; 3 oz
sol.

Synthetic resin 'phenal formal-
dehyde) in alcohol,

No cracking; only small current; no surface

stain.
No cracking; small current; no stain.

Cracked at 240 hr.; large current; surface
stain.

Cracked at 240 hr.; considerable current: sur-
face stain.

Not used.

Only small current; no surface stain.

Small current; slight surface stain.

Cracked at 192 hr. ; large current surface stain.

Cracked at 96 hr.; considerable current; con-
siderable surface stain,

No cracking; small current; some surface stain
and a small deposit of phenol-lime products.

■

990 lb.

490 1b.
2480 lb.
£600 lb.
1380 lb.

Oils and Varnishes

Heat-treated tunjt-oil compound
in turpentine.

Double-boiled linseed oil (lead

and manganese drier )
Kauri gum-linseed oil varnish.
Processed tung-oi] compound.
Equal parts of 9 and 21.

No cracking; specimen faulty; cathode ex-
posed; very small current; film tough and
elastic.

Cracked at 140 hr.; considerable current; heavy
surface stain.

Only slight crack; small current; no stain.

No cracking; very small current; no'stain.

No cracking; small current; no stain.

No cracking; moderate current; no stain.

Only a fine crack; considerable current; no

stain.
No cracking; no stain.

No cracking; very small current; no stain.
No cracking; small current;no stain.

2665 lb.

1680 lb.

1790 lb.

1990 lb.

Specimen faulty.

May, 1916

for 25 hrs. together each of these specimens was placed in
an earthenware jar, Fig. 1, B, together with a sheet-iron cathode.
Water was poured into the jar within 1 in. of its top. All
of the rods were connected in parallel to the positive side of
the circuit and all of the sheet-iron cathodes to the negative
side. An e.m.f. of 30 volts was then impressed across them
for 240 hours, (Fig. I, B), after which period the pressure
was increased to 55 volts and containued for 60 hours. The
general results as briefed in Table 1 were similar to those ob-
tained with the first series.

The test for the strength of bond of the painted anchor
bolts, that is, for their resistance to withdrawal, were made
in a testing machine. A third set of specimen was prepared
for this purpose. These were of the same construction as
those shown at Fig. 2, B, except that the lower ends of the
rods set flush with the bottom surface of the cylinder. After
curing for three weeks, the rods were pushed through the
concrete cylinders in the testing machine. The loads at which
the different specimens failed are indicated in the last column
of the table "Adhesion Test."

Figure 3

As to conclusions; it is not probable that any paint will
provide sufficient insulation on an anchor bolt to effectually
protect against electrolysis. The duration of the tests just
outlined was scarcely sufficient to justify, definiate conclu-
sions. It should be noted that some of the paints, for in-
stance, that of specimen No. 17, apparently provide as good
a bond between the rod and the concrete as does an un-
painted rod imbedded directly in the concrete. Some of the
paints provided an excellent bond but were inefficient in-
sulators. For example, the water paints used on specimens
Nos. 12, 19 and 20 and the lacquers 18 and 21, provided a
good bond but were very poor insulators. In general, the oil
pigment paints were inferior both from the standpoint of in-
sulation and of bond.

* ♦ *

On Saturday, May 6, the American Telephone & Telegraph
Company arranged for the Navy Department a demonstration of
the communication service which its lines could afford in time
of need. Seated in his office in Washington, Secretary Daniels
talked by wireless telephone with Capt. Chandler of the battle-
ship New Hampshire, lying in Hampton Roads. Save for a
few interruptions by "static," the transmission was excellent.
Mr. Daniels then talked by telephone with Navy Yards at Brook-
lyn, Portsmouth, N. H., and Norfolk, and with the aeroplane
station at Pensacola. During a forty-hour test which follow-

ed, the "New Hampshire" was never out of touch by wireless

telephone with the Navy Departmnt.

Under the general supervision of Chief Engineer John J.

Carty, 53,000 miles of the Bell system's wires were utilized in

this demonstration. The services of 600 telephone men, and

much special apparatus were required.
.5. .$. <$•

SbttrengftBiL of Hmfcesfpoleij

By E. C. Parham

On a non-commutating-pole continuous-current generator the
effect of the armature current is to distort the magnetic field ;
and unless the design is such as to avoid it, the brushes must be
shifted forward, in the direction of rotation, as the load is
increased ; this is in order to bring the short-circuited coils into
a field that is sufficiently strong to stop and to reverse the local
current of the short-circuited coil just as the bars to which it
is connected are leaving the brushes. On a motor, the brushes
must be shifted against rotation for the same reason. In either
case, if the field due to the armature is weak as compared to that
due to the field magnets, no brush shift will be necessary, but the
obtaining of such a strong field is expensive.

By neutralizing the armature reaction at all reasonable loads
interpoles effect an equivalent condition without adding so much
to the weight or to the cost of the machine.

The general adoption of interpoles has resulted in sometimes
confronting operators with the problems of determining if
sparking is due to the interpoles being too strong or if it is
due to their being too weak.

Bearing in mind that the brushes of a non-interpole com-
pound-wound machine, or of a shunt-wound machine, must be
shifted forward with the load, in order to prevent sparking, it
follows that if it is necessary to do this on an interpole gen-
erator, the interpoles must be too weak, because: — With correct
interpole strength, no shift will be required ; without interpoles
a forward shift will be required ; at normal interpole strength,
or any interpole strength less than normal, the effects of the
forward shift and of the interpoles are of the same sign : there-
fore, if the forward shift must be used on an interpole gen-
erator, it means that two influences that act in the same direc-
tion must be used in order to get sparkless commutation, and
that, therefore, one of the influences, namely, the interpole field,
is too weak. By the reverse reasoning, it follows that if the
brushes of an interpole generator must be shifted backward, in
order that good commutation may be obtained, the interpole
field is doing more than it should and is, therefore, too strong.

This reasoning assumes that the no-load neutral is the ref-
erence point of brush movement; reasoning from any other as-
sumption would lead to uncertainty; for, suppose that the brush-
es are assumed to be on neutral when actually they are forward
of the neutral, it is conceivable that a combination of brush
shift with weak interpoles might give satisfactory commutation
under load, but on removing the load and with it the interpole
effect, the brushes might spark on account of being so far for-
ward of the true no-load neutral. Again, if the brushes were
assumed to be on neutral when actually they were forward of
neutral, then the necessity of shifting the brushes backward in
order to get good commutation, would justify the conclusion
that the interpoles were too strong when in reality they might
be normal. Before drawing conclusions as to interpole strength,
then, , it is necessary to locate the no-load neutral as a reference
point of brush-shift. Under this condition : —

If the brushes of an interpole generator must be shifted for-
ward or if the brushes of an interpole motor must be shifted
backward, in order to get sparkless commutation, the interpoles
are weak, but if the brushes of an interpole generator must
be shifted backward or if the brushes of an interpole motor
must be shifted forward, in order to secure satisfactory com-
mutation, the interpoles are too strong.

Bearing these relations in mind may save time in adjusting
of interpole shunts or in trying separate interpole excitation.

May, 1916

J^djustlng the Comp®mmMm<§ ©f a
(S-emefatoi1

By A. L. Gear

The writer was called to the local street-railway power
plant the other evening, to locate some trouble with a 100-
kw., 550-volt direct connected unit which had just been in-
stalled and had not given satisfaction. This unit consisted
of a Ridgeway steam engine, direct connected to a Westing-
house compound-wound generator, rated at 100 kilowatts, 550
volts, 182 amperes, 250 r. p. m., engine operating a steam
pressure of 100 pounds gauge. The unit had a very neat ap-
pearance, standing upon a slightly raised concrete foundation
with all cables from the generator to switchboard passing
through conduit embedded under the concrete floor.

The power plant engineer started the unit for inspection,
under operating conditions. The voltage built right up to 550
volts without any lagging whatever. The tester then took
the load off the old generator and put it on the one, without
paralleling the units at switch board, but first taking care
that the voltmeter read correctly, the voltmeter leads being
connected to the generator leads common to a certain bus-
bar. One generator was switched out and the other switched
in under light load.

Line or Busses

Equalizer

Line or Buss

Figure 1

It was now noticed that when the new unit was. switched
in upon this small load the voltage decrease slightly, and upon
the load becoming heavier, the voltage would decrease as the
load increased, and upon heavy loads from 100 per c.ent. to
150 per cent, overload, the voltage decreased from 550 volts
at no load to 400 volts at overload. As it was noted that the
steam pressure did not decrease with increase in generator load,
nor did the engine seem to decrease in speed; it was evident
that the cause of the trouble could not be in steam power con-
ditions, but must be electrical. It was then concluded that the
generator's series field winding might be wrongly connected
up, that is, so connected that the compounding winding instead
of assisting the shunt field winding was counteracting its effect.

The series winding was then reversed. Upon putting the unit
back in service again, the conditions were practically as before
The compound field winding was evidently useless, and the gen-
erator was acting as a shunt machine. The conclusion, there-
fore, was that in connecting up generator to switch-board some-

tigure 2

one had made a mistake in the leads and so connected it up as
to cut out the series winding completely. This could not be
easily traced out on account of the cables being in concrete,
and could not be tested with lamps or magneto without con-
siderable trouble. As line and equalizer cables came through

the same conduit that seemed most likely place for mistake.
The condition actually found is shown in Fig. 1, and the correct-
ed correction is shown in Fig. 2. Generator B is the new unit
under test and the cable X is the equalizer, while cables B'B"
put in for negative line, were interchanged at the three-blade
switch on back of the switch-board, cable X being connected at
D, Fig. 1, to negative bus (through switch) where it should
have been connected at B" to equalizer bus, and cable B'B"
should have been connected at D to negative bus, as shown in
Fig. 2.

However, after this change was made the machine was as use-
less as before, although in the other way this time,' for upon
putting the unit under test at 550 volts, no load, the voltage
at 150 per cent, overload was up to 750. With such compound-
ing as this, it could not be operated in parallel with the other
units, which at 150 per cent, one load were flat compounded
and gave 500 volts. The remedy finally used was to place a
resistance in parallel with compound field windings to reduce the
current passing through them. This was readily accomplished
by placing a german silver ribbon across the compound field
terminals. One end of this ribbon was placed in an adjustable
clamp so that the operator could slide the ribbon in either direc-
tion, to lengthen or shorten the shunt. The shorter it was, the
greater amount of current it would carry for a given width and
thickness ; consequently, the greater it would reduce the com-
pounding effect, because a less amount of current was allowed
to pass through the compound winding.

This generator being adjusted required some two and a quar-
ter feet of german silver, being three-eighth inch wide and one-
sixteenth inch thick. After it was shunted, it was placed , in
parallel operation with the other generators working smoothly
and sparklessly, taking its proper share of the load in propor-
tion to rated kilowatt output. It is well in making shunts for
compound wound generators, to be careful to use enough ger-
man silver ribbon so that there is no reasonble chance for the
shunt to become overheated from carrying too great a portion
of load. For should it overheat the resistance will increase
and send too large a portion of the main current through the
series winding and thereby cause the generator to overcompound,
and also may cause the shunt to burn in two and thus lose all
the effect for which it was inserted.

™Wlkf Ctenera&os1 Womlsta't BmiM Up"

A steam railroad which has its electrical repair shop for
the car lighting equipment in the home town of the writer
frequently calls in assistance when anything unusual occurs.

Recently the generator on a coach which had made the
trip across the continent was completely burnt out. A new
armature, field coils and brushes were ordered from the
factory. Connections were carefully made according to the
blue print but the machine would not generate. The coach
was scheduled to make the return trip on the evening the
parts were received. Instructions were issued to the writer
to answer the hurry call for help.

This machine was a large four pole shunt generator with
two commutating poles, designed especially for an axle-
driven car lighting system. The field connections and polar-
ity were checked and found to be correct, except for one
commutating pole which was reversed. While this condition
would have caused poor commutation, it could not prevent
the machine from generating. Being unable to locate any
trouble while the machine was apart, it was assembled to be
tested as a motor. When putting in the brushes no screw
to hold the lug of pig-tails was seen. The writer asked the
railroad man how they should be connected and was shown
a screw on the back of the brush-holder of the forward arm.
Here was the cause of the dynamo refusing to pick up. All
of the brush-holder arms were short-circuited together.

R. L. Hervey.

May, 1916

iffia® Care aaad IMstallatiOBi of Uleetric

(Continued from the April issue)
General Care of Machines

Always see that all machines in use are kept free from dust
and dirt. It is well, for the good of all concerned, if machines
not in use are kept likewise.

After machines have been shut down, or during installation
when these machines are not being used see that they are well
covered. If possible the cover should be thoroughly water-proof.
The cover should be non-inflamable.

During operation of the machines never allow any overflow of
oil in the bearings as considerable trouble might occur if oil
should get into the windings or leads.

Never use water or ice to cool off bearings as it may get into
the windings, the result of which is obvious.

Always keep magnetic articles such as screw drivers, monkey
wrenches, etc. off the machines when about to start up or when in
operation as they may accidently fall or be drawn by the mag-
netism in to the machine and come in contact with the commu-
tator or the armature causing serious damage.

On gas engines and some reciprocating steam engines it may be
necessary to lift the brushes on a direct current machine before
it stops because the engine sometimes reverses and with small
brushes the}' are liable to damage. This, of course, does not ap-
ply to large or sturdy brushes. In fact, it is best not to lift the
brushes as they are liable to lose their seating on the com-
mutator.

Never use waste in cleaning off a commutator. It is better to
use a soft clean cloth as thin canvas or cheese cloth. Never use
a commutator compound of any kind. Instead use a clean cloth
very slightly moistened with light mineral oil for a commutator
lubricant.

Machine Defects — Electrical — Sparking
All machine sparking of whatever nature should be eliminat-
ed. This trouble is attributed invariably to the following causes :

(1) Bad condition of commutator,

(2) Bad condition of brushes,

(3) For motors — Weak magnetic field, evidenced by increas-
ed speed above that given on the name plate,

(4) Faulty armature.

Under cause (1) for sparking may be found the following
troubles :

(a) Commutator rough or eccentric,

(b) One or more high bars,

(d) High mica between segments,

(e) Oily or dirty commutator.

When sparking is due to trouble (a) this can be remedied if
the roughness is slight by grinding down the commutator with
fine sand-paper using a block conforming to the curvature of
the commutator. A piece of fine grind-stone cut to the proper
curve can also be used. Never under any circumstance use a file
or emery.

After the sanding is completed the commutator surface should
be well cleaned and polished with a soft clean cloth slightly
moistened with oil. Avoid a cloth having much lint.
Refinishing Commutators
When the commutator wear is excessive or the commutator is
eccentric so that it cannot be remedied by the method just given,
it is advisable, if possible, to remove the armature from the
frame and turn the commutator down in a lathe. If necessary
to submit to this method of putting the commutator in condition
only a first class machinist or dynamo repair shop should be al-
lowed to do this work.

It will not be necessary to remove the armature from the frame
if a special tool post is at hand suitable for clamping to the
machine frame.

After turning down it is necessary to refinish the commutator
on account of the rough surface left by the tool.

When sparking is due to trouble (b) this can be remedied (on-
ly on small types of machines) by pounding down the high bars
with a rawhide or wood mallet, great care being taken not to in-
jure any part of the commutator. This trouble can also be re-
medied by grinding or turning down the high bars to the level of
the rest. Before doing this it is best to see that the commutator
is well drawn up and it may be advisable to bake the commutator
before turning down.

If sparking is due to trouble (c) the commutator should be
drawn up, baked, if necessary, and turned down in a lathe.

When sparking is due to trouble (d) the high mica between
segments can be removed by using fine sand-paper if the trouble
is only slight. If excessive, the best remedy is to have the com-
mutator slotted or to use enough abrasive brushes to keep the
mica low after having turned it down in a lathe.

If sparking is due to trouble (e) the commutator should be
thoroughly cleaned, removing all gummy and sticky substance
which may have collected on the surface. This surface can be
cleaned by using a slight quantity of light mineral oil applied
with a clean cloth.

Sparking Due to Defective Brushes

Under cause (2) for sparking may be found the following
troubles ;

(a) Brushes not properly spaced or set,

(b) Brushes make poor contact with commutator,

(d) Vibration or chattering of brushes,

(e) Some brushes having excessive pressure, thus taking
more than their share of the current,

(f) Brushes being burned or frayed on the ends.

When sparking is due to trouble (a) it is necessary that the
brushes be set correctly. For details as to method see G. E. Re-
view for April, 1913.

When sparking is due to trouble (b) an examination of the
brushes will show that they touch at only one or two corners,
or on en edge, or that dirt has collected between them and the
commutator. If the trouble occurs with copper gause brushes,
they should be thoroughly cleaned by using benzine and the con-
tact surface fitted to the commutator. A jig is usually used. The
brush should be so set that it bears evenly on its whole width and
all frayed and ragged edges should be trimmed off. Brushes if
cleaned with benzine should be removed from the holders and
taken out of the building.

If sparking is due to trouble (c) the rocker arm must be ad-
justed either backward or forward until the brushes assume a
position of no sparking or that the sparking is minimum.

When sparking is due to trouble (d) an examination of the
commutator will show that it has become gummy or sticky; that
the commutator has flat or low high bars or that the machine it-
self vibrates. When the commutator has become gummy or
sticky it can be cleaned by using the same method stated above
for oily and dirty commutator under "Sparking due to bad con-
dition of Commutator."

If there are flats, high or low bars or high mica this can be re-
medied by sanding if slight or turning down if necessary.

If the vibration and chattering is due to the machine vibration
it will be necessary to re— level or re-align the machines on their
foundations.

Sparking due to trouble (e) can be remedied by adjusting the
tension of the brushes so that a uniform pressure is obtained.

When trouble (f) is found to occur the remedy is to retrim
the edges. This burnt condition is caused by excessive pressure
which causes an excessive current density in the brush. It is
also caused by overloads and by brushes not being in the neutral.
When brushes have been badly burned a re-sanding and setting
is necessary.

Uuder cause (3) for sparking it may be found there is an open
circuit in the field, or a high resistance field coil.

If the field circuit is open this trouble can be located by test-

May, 19 io

ing the coils for the open as given in "Commercial Electrical
Testing" by Collins.

An open circuited coil if external can be easily repaired. The
trouble usually occurs where the terminal is attached to the
the field wire. If the trouble is internal the coil will have to be
rewound. The maker of the machine should be consulted be-
fore attempting to rewind a coil.

Cause (4) sparking may be attributed to the following
troubles ;

(a) Short circuited coil in armature,

(b) Open circuit in armature,

Under trouble (a) of the above will be found in most cases
that copper, solder or some other metallic foreign substance has
located between the commutator bars or tangs. A simple
method of removing such causes is to apply a potential as in in-
sulation testing. This will burn out what ever metallic substance
is located there. As this method is standard it will be found de-
scribed with complete details in most standard handbooks.

When short circuit is internal it will be necessary to have the
armature rewound or opened up and the trouble remedied. If
no competent dynamo repair shop is in the locality the maker of
the machine should be appealed to for a man.

When looking for short circuits or crosses a careful examina-
tion should also be made of the insulation on the brush holders.
Oil, dirt or copper dust may have short-circuited the rocker
arm and brush holder and thus short-circuited the whole
machine.

For testing for short-circuits see any good standard hand-
book. '

Uuder trouble (b) it may be that there is an internal broken
coil or that an open connection exists at the commutator tang.
It may be due to a poorly soldered connection. In case the
trouble is internal the only remedy is rewinding. If external the
remedy is quite obvious.

For tests for broken coils see a good hand-book.

Uuder trouble (c) the armature bar to bar test may be applied
or other methods used — see hand-book.

Failure of Dynamo to Generate

Failure of the dynamo to generate may be due to the following
causes ;

(a) Field connections reversed,

(b) An open circuit in armature,

(d) Brushes not in good contact with commutator,

(e) A dirty commutator,

(f) Residual magnetism too weak,

(g) Broken wire,

(h) Faulty connections,

(i) Too much resistance in the field circuit.

A careful inspection of the connections should be made if the
machine has been started and failed to generate.

A comparison of the diagram of connections which accomp-
any the machine should be made with the actual wiring of the
machine to ascertain if failure to generate on account of (b) and
(c) can only be remedied by the repair of the faults. This also
applies to (d) and (e).

When due to (f) it will be necessary to excite the fields from
an independent source of direct current. About 15 to 20 volts is
sufficient in most cases to cause current enough. The current
should be sent through in the proper direction. Dry cells may
be used if there is no other course available.

Faults (g), (h) and (i) can only be located by a careful ex-
amination of the complete circuit. It is absolutely imperative
that this should be done before endeavering to put the machine
in service.

Bibliography

The following list of references will serve, no doubt, better
than a long recital of methods. The present development of the
art of testing is such that a complete file of methods is available

at any public library. It is for the above reason that the writer
decided to give a list of references rather than attempt to dis-
cuss each of the necessary tests in use for installation and
operation testing.

Appliances for Electrical Measurements, C. D. Haskins, G. E.
Review, Aug., 1910 — part 1.

Commercial Electrical Testing— E. F. Collins, G. E. Review,
Nov., 1909 to Febr., 191 1, or in book form published by the
G. E. Review Publishing Co., 1913.

Standard 'Handbook for Electrical Engineers, Fourth Ed. See
especially the bibliography following sections 7, 8 and 9.

Management of. Electrical Machinery — Crocker & Wheeler —
1908.

General Electric Review, May, 1913 — Care and Operation of
Commutators by H. S. Page.

Thomson S. P. — Dynamo-Electric Machinery — :IQ04, Vol. 1 —
Spon & Chamberlin, New York.

See also files of papers from Department of Commerce,
Bureau of Standards, Washington. These papers are more for
design work but help in the location of faults when used by an
experienced investigator.

* * *

(Copyright, 1916, W. F. Schaphorst)
The following chart is useful when it is desirable to know

the number of feet of belting in a given roll.

The sketch shows how to measure the roll. The distance

"X" must be measured in inches.

For example : How long is the belting in a roll which has

36 turns, distance "X" being 50 inches?

-0.3

0.4

4-40

70
+ 80
90
100

k-x'-*|

40 CO

50 U.

60 °

80 F

^100 2

■500

400

50T3

— 600
700
800
900
I 000

2Q00

--30

--40

--50-
--60
--70
--80
--90
■100

The dotted line drawn across the chart shows how easily
the length is found — it is 470 feet.

You need not actually "draw a line" as is shown, just lay
a straight edge across from point to point, and the intersec-
tion with the middle column gives the length of the roll im-
mediately.

iiiililllilllllllillllfe'' ; ; J.H SiiiiailililKlii!;::!.!::..

iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiliiiiiiiiiD

K%1)Ig

w sua®

Mmmhzm

asKSi <g©aus

Qm^£a©aug smdl tois weirs aa&<& Pirai<etbi©sill ©ag^mg^aosag ©2 T%@.<gl® Ss.Mm.Mi

In starting large synchronous or induction motors it is neces-
sary either to use a separate auxiliary motor connected to the
shaft of the synchronous or induction motor, or, to use an auto-
transformer to reduce the applied voltage until such time as the
motor reaches maximum speed and can stand application of
full voltage without undue current rush from the line. If an
auto-transformer is used the problem becomes that of determin-
ing the voltage to be applied to the motor, that is, the tap to
be brought out from the auto-transformer and the necessary size
of the auto-transformer.

An induction or synchronous motor when thrown directly on
a line will develop a starting torque proportional to the square
of the line voltage, and if the line voltage is changed or varied,
the torque developed will vary in direct proportion to the square
of the voltage. Also, at starting, the current drawn by the
motor varies directly as the voltage applied to its terminals.

In designing an auto-transformer for starting both of the
above conditions must be kept in mind, the first in determining
the taps to be brought out and the second in determining the size
of winding to carry the starting current.

From the locked saturation tests made on the motor, the cur-
rent the motor would draw from the line if full voltage were
applied, can be determined, and so the kv-a. drawn from the
line at 100% voltage. If 50% voltage be applied to the motor
the current drawn from the line will be only half of the value
with 100% voltage — the impedance of the machine being constant
— or the kv-a. drawn from the line will be one quarter of that
at 100% voltage : in other words, the kv-a. drawn from the line
by a given motor varies as the square of the tap, or voltage,
applied to the motor. Knowing the mechanical constants of
the motor also the electrical constants we can determine the
torque necessary to start the motor and the voltage that must
be applied to produce this torque.

Rating of an Auto-Transformer

An auto-transformer may be considered as a transformer, the
primary and secondary windings of which are connected in
series in the proper direction to cause the primary and secondary
voltages to add. If we then apply a voltage across the whole
winding equal to the secondary plus primary voltage, the in-
duced voltages across each section of the winding will be pro-
portional to the ratio of transformation as a transformer. Sup-
pose we have a transformer with a 4 to 1 ratio a d connect the
high-tension and low-tension windings as described above, then
the e.m.f. across the low-terision portion would be 1/5 of the
total voltage across the whole winding, or equivalent to a 20%
tap oh the auto-transformer. i If now we put load on this portion
of the winding and draw a current equal to the normal full load
current of the low-tension winding as a transformer, the equiv-
alent transformer rating of the auto-transformer will be the

product of the current flowing in either winding and the voltage
across that winding, these two products being found to be nu-
merically equal. In this case it would be found to be equal to
(1 — .20) X kv-a. from line. The relation between kv-a. from
line and equivalent transformer rating can be shown in the fol-
lowing way :

h = the current motor would draw if full potential were
put across the terminals.

£1 — potential of line.

K = tap expressed (decimally) as percentage of line volt-
age.

£2 = tap voltage.

l-i = current drawn by motor at tap K.

/1 = current drawn from line by motor on tap K.

I2-I1 Tap,x I,

aaaaaaaaaMaaaaa/wvv

E,-E,--

1 1.

For simplicity consider one phase of a two-phase motor.

Now if h = current motor would draw if thrown on full line
voltage Ei, then for any tap K the kv-a. from the line would be
EihK2 = Ei h and the kv-a. drawn by the motor at tap

K =

£2 /,

£2

Also

K and

Ei I,

From our definition of equivalent transformer rating we get
the equivalent rating in the above case to be E» (h — A) or
(Ei - £2) /,

May, 1916

or since these two expressions are numerically equal

£, (/, - A) + (^1 - ^ /,

The kv-a. from the line is Ex h A2.

So the relation between the equivalent transformer rating and
Equivalent Rating

kv-a. from line is y =

kv-a. from line.

E2(/2- Ix) + (Ey - A\) /,

Substituting A£i for £2 and A7» for A,

we get KE\ (7, — A7,,) + (At — A"A,) A72

I E I

= AT-;, /,(] - AT) + KEV /, (1 — A")

= 2 Afj /2 (1 — A') or A72 (1 - K)

Substituting A for A/.., we finally have y — I — A or
kv-a. from line X (I — A) = equivalent transformer rating.

\ c-

V
V

^^CU^1

' c ---.

0 2

) 4C

) 6

0 8(

) 100

PER CENT, TAP

For a given motor which draws a certain kv-a. from the line
with full voltage across its terminals there must be some one
tap at which the equivalent transformer rating is a maximum,
or which requires the largest size transformer core. We can
determine what tap this will be from the equivalent transformer
rating as found above.

Kv-a. from line at tap A = £1 h A2 = £1 A and we have
shown that equivalent kv-a. rating = (/ • — A) £, h —
.£, /„ A2 (/ — A) or Et U (A2 — A3).

If now by calculus we take the first derivative of this expres-
sion with respect to A and put it equal to zero, solving for K
we will find what value will give a maximum or minimum value
to the expression.

or d El /0 (A"* — A'f) = d A, /Q A-'2 — d A, /Q As

dk dk . dk

= 2 A, /, A — 3 E, h A2

putting this expression equal to zero

2 £1 h K — 3 £1 To A2 = 0
or 2 — ■ 3 K = o
and A = 2/3.
To determine whether this is the maximum or minimum we
must take the second derivative of the above expression which
gives

d2K

(2 A — 3 A2) = 2 — 6 A

dK2
and substituting K = 2/3 we get 2 — 4 0 showing A is a max-
imum at 2/2,. So at the 66 2/2,% tap of the auto-transformer the
largest equivalent rating is obtained and the largest transformer
required.
The curves shown give the various relations described above.
Curve A shows the kv-a. drawn from the line at various taps
in terms of the kv-a. drawn from the line with full voltage
across the motor.

Curve B shows the equivalent transformer rating as a per-
centage of the line kv-a. at various taps, e. g., at 25% tap.
equivalent rating is 75% of line kv-a., etc.

Curve C shows the relation between equivalent transformer
rating and taps, in terms of a given kv-a. from the line at full
voltage. From this curve we see that at the 66 2/3 % tap for
any given motor, the largest size auto-transformer is needed.

This should be remembered when ordering auto-transformers
for starting synchronous or induction motors and if possible, the
use of a tap near the 66 2/2,% point avoided for that means the
most expensive starter.

A Bitot©* Tronfel®

A 2 horse-power series motor used to drive a centrifugal
hot water circulating pump has on a number of occasions giv-
en trouble. In the fall it was given a thorough overhauling
to make ready for the winter service. Shortly after being in-
stalled a complaint was sent to the repair shop that the motor
was running, but, a trouble man investigated and found the
brushes moved forward about 20 electrical degrees, causing
the motor to run much too fast. The power taken by a cen-
trifugal pump varies approximately with the square of the
speed. Hence a small increase in speed can cause a consider-
able increase in the load. A resetting of the brushes was all
that was required.

About three weeks service was given when the second com-
plaint was received. This time the bearing had been dry,
the bearing wearing enough to allow the armature to strike
the field poles and rubbing off the bands. While at the shop
this time two new bronze bearings were made, and new bands
put on. After a thorough test, the motor was sent out again.
Five days later word was received that the motor was not
working properly. This time it happened to be the writer's
lot to answer the 'call. The brushes were in good contact
and in the correct position. The bearings were full of clean
oil, but those bands were off once more. By taking out the
armature bright places on the bottom of the field poles were
clearly seen. This indicated worn bearings but they were
tight on the shaft and in the frame. The shaft showed signs
of being worn but it was not cut. It was then supposed that
the armature was not properly centered. With this thought
in mind the armature and bearings were taken out and re-
placed by ones from a spare machine. Before the new arma-
ture could be run it was necessary to do considerable align-
ing, which added weight to the theory of poor aligning of
the injured ?.rmature.

The spare field frame, old armature and its bearings were
sent to the shop once more. While cleaning out the oil well
lumps of metal about the size of a grain of corn were found
in the bottom of the well. The motor was one of a type, no
longer manufactured, having the self aligning bearing set in

May, 1916

a seat of white metal. When the bearing heated this white
metal melted out of one side and let the armature strike the
field poles. This motor is running once more and with a
little oil it is very probable that it will continue to do so. —

R. L. Hervey.
♦ ♦ ♦>

Tw©-Plmg® ft© fSaffss^IFSaaiJ© ^mft©°TFrasm§'-'

Occasionally it is desirable to transform from two-phase to
three-phase or from three-phase to two-phase, as the case may
be, for the purpose of running a three-phase motor or other
apparatus from a two-phase line or vice versa. This may be
accomplished by placing on each leg of a three-phase core, single
windings as shown in Figure 1. Each leg is wound with suf-
ficient turns for 115.2 per cent, of the line voltage, and taps
are brought out for 100 per cent, of line voltage and at 50 per
cent, of the winding on the middle leg as shown.
a I.IS2 I

Figure 1

For a better understanding of the two-phase and three-phase
relation, reference is made to Figure 2. Lines 1-4 and 2-3 repre-
sent vectorally the two phases of the two-phase circuit since
they are equal in length and at right angles to each other. Lines
1-2, 2-3, and 3-1 are equal, and are at an angle of 60 degrees with
each other, this being the three-phase delta angle.

*f\

4
Figure 2
If the current in the two-phase side be represented by /, the
current in the three-phase lines will be 1.152 /, neglecting the
magnetizing and loss currents. The currents in the three legs
of the delta are not equal but are as shown in Figure 1.

The windings in legs A and B required for 100 per cent, oi
the voltage need be large enough for only 7.6 per cent, of the two-

phase current, while the extra 15.2 per cent, of the winding must
be designed for 50 per cent, of the two-phase current. Leg C
must be designed to carry 50 per cent, of the two-phase line cur-
rent.

In explanation of the different current in the windings, it will
be noted first that in Figure 1 the apex of the delta is connected
to one three-phase and one two-phase line. Since the currents
in the three-phase lines are equal to 1.152 / and the two-phase
current is /, then the currents in the upper parts of sides A and B
of the delta is l/2 of 1.152 / — /or .076 /. The remainder of
the windings A and B must be designed for the same current as
in side C, as these are connected in series.

As the whole two-phase current flows in to the middle of side
C as shown, it can be easily seen that 50 per cent, of this current
will flow in each half and the lower side of sides A and B.

The size of standard three-phase transformer parts required
for a two-phase, three-phase auto-transformer of this type is
found as follows :

The value of kv-a. in sides A and B is 2 (.076 / X £ + .5 /
X .152 £) 10-3 = .304 / £ X io-8.

The kv-a. in side C = (.5 / X 1.152 £ X io-3) = .576 / £
X io-3.

The total kv-a. in the windings = .304 I E X io-3 + .576 / £
X io-3 = .88 / £ X io-3.

As this amount of power is transmitted through only one
winding on each leg, while an ordinary two-coil transformer
would have two windings on each leg, for this amount of pow-
er, in terms of an ordinary transformer, the rating would be
equal to

.88 / £ X io-s

or .44 / £ X io-3 kv-a.

The power in the two-phase line is 2 X / £ X io-3, therefor,
the rating of the auto-transformer in terms of a standard trans-
former as a percentage of the line kv-a. may be expressed as
.44 / £ X io-3

X 100 or 22%

2 I E X io-3

The most desirable feature of the above described method
of transformation over other methods, is its balanced operating
condition.

This method was devised by Mr. W. T. Taylor.

R. E. L.
* * *

!M,©wfc %m.% Tmmt m @fl Hmmwl&k©w&

(Continued from page 35)
With One Side of Set Grounded Operation is Continuous
With the new types of sets one side is grounded, enabling the
testing rack to be grounded. This is in itself an advantage since
the rack may be safely touched and the only precaution neces-
sary is to keep away from the clamp which is connected to the
ungrounded side. With this improvement the testing is faster
since the operator moves back and forth with the clamp while
one man removes insulators which have been tested, and another
on the other side replaces them with untested insulators. The
switch is never pulled unless the testing is to be stopped, so
that the work is continuous and the time ordinarily required to
replace insulators under the former method is used in actual
testing.

The handling of the insulators and the men bears an important
relation to the smoothness with which the testing may be done.
The operation usually requires a man to unpack the barrels or
crates, and two men to handle the insulators on the test rack,
and a packer, in addition to the operator and the inspector. The
inspector is the only one who travels from job to job and rep-
resents the only skilled labor in connection with the work. The
high frequency arc when constantly watched strains the eyes
and the sound emitted, is to the unaccustomed, hard on the ears.
Furthermore the arc breaks down the air resulting in ozone
which after several hours becomes very disagreeable. Because

May, 1916

of these conditions the testing should be done where there is
good ventilation, and preferrably out of doors, when possible.
Fr equent rest periods should be given, especially when the con-
tinuous form of test is used, and the men should be changed
around so that no one job becomes monotonous.

The time element must be decided by laboratory testing. With
on-e type of insulator it was found that the average failure oc-
curred during the first five seconds after the application of
the current so that the test period was placed at fifteen sec-
onds. This is purely arbitrary and can only be determined by
experience with various types of insulators.

With the above mentioned time element approximately from
1200 to 1500 insulators could be tested in a day at a cost ol
from one to two cents per insulator.

Faults Found of Several Kinds
The criterion of a good insulator is when it arcs over from
the clamp to the pin. The usual run of faults occurs in the
insulator joints in which case the path of the arc passes in
between the skirts and through the faulty spot. After a little
experience the inspector merely looks at the insulator for a few
seconds after the first ten seconds have elapsed, and relies chiefly
on his hearing to detect a faulty insulator. Another class of
faults are due to imbedded matter as hair in the porcelain which
burns out resulting in the arc puncturing through. The path
of the arc is then along the surface of the shell and then
through the puncture and then along the surface. These faults
can sometimes be detected an instant before puncture by the ap-
pearance of a red spot on the surface of the porcelain.

Experience has shown that it is advisable to test one insu-
lator at a time. If two be tested in multiple one may have
a streak of dirt which lessens the surface resistance causing that
insulator to receive the arc. Considerable time is lost in trying
to balance the arc between the two insulators.

Testing Suspension Type Insulators

With suspension type insulators, a length of iron pipe, to
which are attached iron hooks, is used in place of the cross arm.
The insulators are suspended from these hooks inverted so
as to enable the inspector to easily detect the faults. The pipe
is grounded and the clamp is touched against the cap of the
insulator. These insulators may be tested in series, the only
objection to testing in series being, that if one fails, the voltage
necessary to arc over the two is impressed on the single insu-
lator, causing breakdown. Small suspension type insulators can
often be successfully tested in multiple. The failure most often
encountered in suspension type insulators, is a porcelain failure,
in which the path of the arc is from cap to pin, showing no dis-
charge over the insulator. Some insulators have porcelain holes
in the corrugation which alter the path of the arc.

♦ ♦ ♦

C@fs,@cti@sa

In our April issue we published an article entitled "Testing
Relays With Cycle Recorder" erroneously giving the author
as H. A. Cozzens, Jr., only, whereas names of the joint authors
should have been given : H. A. Cozzens, Jr., and G. F. Walter.
We apologize to Mr. Walter for this omission.

Trouble is often encountered on account of the oil in trans-
formers, induction regulators, rotary reactance coils and similar
apparatus creeping up through the strands of the cable or between
the conductor and the rubber insulation covering it, and seep-
ing out over terminals and producing an oil surface mess to whic'h
dust and dirt adhere. This action is due to a syphoning action
and capillary attraction between the cable strands, and may oc-
cur whether the conductor hangs down or rises upward. As oil
has a very pronounced and deleterious effect upon rubber, caus-
ing a continual and rather rapid deterioration of its mechanical

and dielectric propreties, and in addition causes stickiness to
which flying particles of dust and dirt adhere, it is advantageous
to the welfare of the apparatus and to the appearance of the
whole station that this syphoning be overcome.

There are several ways in which this may be done, with
varying degrees of success. The oldest way, and perhaps the
most well known, is to solder the strands of the flexible cable
together after cutting back the insulation for an inch or two,
This is a very simple way, but does not always accomplish its
purpose completely.

Another way, and one that will be found in every way satis-
factory, although more troublesome to do, is to introduce an air
gap between the cable and the insulation covering it for length
of three or four inches. An idea of the general arrangement
of this joint may be obtained from the sketch. In making this
non-syphoning joint the procedure is about as follows: The
rubber insulation is cut back about six inches, and the cable
cleaned thoroughly in between the interstices of the various
strands. The ends of the insulating covering are pared off, as
shown. At, each end, and close to the insulation, the strands of
the cable are soldered or, better still, the complete distance of
the "cut." A sleeve of insulating fiber or similar material is
now placed over the naked cable. This sleeve had better be in
two halves so that it may be placed upon the cable instead 01
having to be slipped along the cable as it would were it in one
piece. The length of this sleeve must be such that its two ends
rest upon the insulation as shown in the sketch. Two or three
holes, small holes about Y% inch diameter, are drilled in this
sleeve, in about the middle. Where the sleeve is composed of
two separate pieces of fiber they must be clamped together as
convenient.

W//A \/////////////A x///////.

.■■''<So I dered here-''
£_

1/////M Y/////////////A V//777M - ;

■ . -Air Chamber '"Sflahon

Covering or Insu/aring
C/oth

Having accomplished this all that now remains to be done is
to insulate the sleeve with empire cloth and friction tape, or
friction tape alone where the potential of the circuit is com-
paratively low, and cover completely with a coating of insulating
varnish. This joint makes a very satisfactory job, and has a neat
appearance. For overcoming syphoning in the leads of oil-filled
induction regulators, rotary reactance coils for railway service,
and transformers, it will be found to give pleasing results. It
will have, however, somewhat larger diameter than the remaining
portions of the conductor, but usually this does not interfere
with anything.

* ♦ *

3!!s®2a©!&y @ll T'hw^^lPlh.^® t23s,niai3M3,sgfi©si

In answering the query by A. W. in April issue of Electricai
Age, as to why it is that electrical power, at the same voltage
and proportion of loss, can be transmitted three-phase with only
three-fourths of the amount of copper that would be required
for direct-current (or single-phase) transmission, under the same
conditions, the following basic facts must be borne in mind.

The voltage and current in an alternating-current circuit are
all the time rapidly changing and what we refer to as the voltage
of an alternating current circuit is the voltage indicated by an
ordinary voltmeter which is called the "effective" voltage. The
same applies to the alternating current.

Now this effective voltage and current is, by definition, the
value of the changing alternating voltage and current that is of
the same effect as an equivalent direct-current voltage and amper-
age in transmitting electrical energy — that is why it is called
the "effective" voltage and current.

May, 1916

Bearing this definition in mind, it follows directly that in a
direct-current circuit and in an alternating-current circuit where
the voltages and currents, as above defined, are equal, the total
power, which is the product of voltage multiplied by the cur-
rent (where the power factor is unity) will be the same in the
two circuits.

From this it follows that equal amounts of copper are re-
quired for the same economy of transmission at the same volt-
ages in single-phase alternating-current and in direct-current
circuits.

Passing to the consideration of three-phase transmission, the
principal point to remember is that a three-phase circuit is the
equivalent of three single-phase circuits with the alternations 120
degrees apart and the six wires that such circuits might have,
tied together in three pairs, thus forming three interconnected
circuits having three wires.

If the current in each of these three circuits was one-third of
the current in the single-phase, or direct-current, circuit carrying
equal electrical energy, then the total energy of the three would
be the same provided the three currents were in phase.

Now with the currents in the three-phase circuit coming 120
degrees apart, if we call the total energy or wattage of the
circuit W , the effective voltage E and the effective current 7, the
expression of the total energy of the three-phase circuit of unity
power factor is found by a simple calculation to be

W = V3 E I
that is the total power of the three-phase circuit is the square
root of three times the product of the voltage between wires
by the current in each wire, instead of being exactly the product
of the voltage between wires by the current in each wire as in
the case of single-phase and direct-current circuits.

The economy of three-phase transmission over direct-current
and single-phase transmission follows from this fact, as may
be shown from the following calculations :

Under the conditions given of equal power transmitted, at
equal voltage between wires and unity power factor in the two
cases, we have

For three-phase circuit, current in each wire is

W
I =

\/3£
and the loss in each wire, whose resistance we will call R, is

IV*R
Three-phase loss = P R =

3 £'

W2 R

Now single-phase loss is I\ R =

This shows that, under given conditions, since the three-phase
1
current per wire is or approximately 57.8 per cent, of the

V3
current in each wire of the single-phase circuit, the loss per wire
of the same resistance R, in the three-phase circuit is only one-
third of the loss per wire in the single-phase circuit.

For the total losses in each circuit with wires of the same size
and resistance R, we have

IV2 R W2 R
Total three-phase losses = 3 X =

and

3 &

Wl R

Total single-phase loss = 2 X

That is, the total single-phase loss is twice as great as the total
three-phase loss where all the wires in both circuits are of the
same size and resistance.

Now the given condition is that the losses are also to be equal.

From the above we see that to make the three-phase losses
equal to the single-phase losses, each wire of the three-phase

circuit must be one-half the size of the wire of the single-phase
circuit and twice the resistance. Then the total losses in the
two circuits will be equal.

Calling the total weight of copper in the single-phase circuit
100, the weight of one single-phase wire will be 50. The weight
of each of the wires of the three-phase circuit of equal loss
will therefore be 25 and the weight of the three wires will be 75.

So the copper required for the three-phase circuit, under the
conditions given is only three-fourths of that required for the
single-phase, or direct-current, circuit, each three-phase wire
being one-half the size of the single-phase wire.

And the reason for it is the much smaller current per wire re-
quired in the case of the three-phase circuit. W. K.
«$» 4. 4.

Ir^Mdsmg 1!©^ 15©31mr&t©si

In your last issue you state that shifting the brushes on a
motor "reduces the counter-electromotive force by causing a
certain number of armature-coils on each side of the normal
plane to oppose each other." Will you please explain this?

E. L. T.

Ans. — Certainly. The magnetic field of the machine by reason
of its position and polarity divides the motor armature winding
into bands of conductors whose counter-electromotive forces
are in the same direction. When the brushes are in the right
place on the division lines between the bands of common
direction, the main current flowing through the armature coils
will be of the same direction as these forces and the number
of effective conductors is a maximum. If the brushes are
now shifted to one side or the other of this position in order
to reach them the main current will have to flow through the
coils, over which the brushes have been shifted, in a direction
opposed to the counter-electromotive forces of these coils.
This is to say, it "bucks" them. This occurs at each pair of
brushes and diminishes by just so much the effective counter-
electromotive forces of the machine. Hence, as stated, the
motor tends to speed up to compensate for this difference.

Unsatisfactory Bell-Ringing Transformer

A transformer for ringing bells, fed from no-volt, 60-cycle
alternating-current and designed to give four volts on secondary
side has been made according to sketch given below.

4 Volt
Secondary
Ho. 20 Sectiori

Sheet .-
Iron Core

Bell Ringing Transformer

When in operation, however, there is an annoying variation
in the sound of the buzzer which is quite different to the effect
given when operating the same buzzer with a 4-volt dry cell.
Can you suggest what the trouble is and how it can be rem-
edied? C. K.

When in common wire or ground return is used for a tele-
phone and alternating-current electric light systems, and a direct-
current trolley system, how do the various currents dispose
themselves in the conductor? M. L. T.

Ans.— It is not easy to say just what occurs in the case of
a common leg for different kinds of currents. We know,
though, that the resulting resistance, reactance and heating ef-
fects are the sum of the separate effects of all the different
kinds of current involved ; each being developed as if the other
were not there. But as to the actual disposition of the currents
in the conductor aside from the fact that the higher the fre-
quency of the alternating currents, the less they penetrate in
the interior part of the conductor, we know very little as yet.

May, 1916

1. What is selenium?

2. How is a selenium cell made?

3. Does such a cell deteriorate with age?

4. What is the present market price of selenium?

F. G. B.
Ans.

1. Selenium is a non-metallic element very similar to sulphur
in its nature and chemical reactions. It is manufactured in two
forms depending on how much it is annealed. One form is a
brownish-red, non-crystallized mass, the other of a grey, dull
metallic-looking structure, usually sold in sticks. Selenium acts
on all metals but gold and platinum, but is a poor conductor of
electricity, and its use in electrical work depends on the fact
that its resistance changes when it is exposed to light, sometimes
as much as several fold.

2. The so-called selenium cells are really not cells at all. They
are selenium resistances and are more accurately called selenium
"bridges." They come in many forms, but the most common
consists of a pair of wires, usually copper or nickel, wound on
a flat slab of porcelain or slate in such a manner as to lie close
to, but not touch each other. The slab is then "buttered" with
melted selenium or exposed to selenium vapor. This forms a
thin film, all exposed to light, which connects or bridges the two
wires together, whence the name a selenium "bridge." The
selenium must finally be annealed before it is ready for use.

3. Such a cell will not deteriorate with age if properly handled
and not overheated.

4. About $4.00 per pound, according to our latest information.

* * *

I am not clear as to the nature of alternating-current electric
power. If direct-current power is a steady flow, how is alter-
nating-current power to be compared to it? What is two and
three-phase power? I know the expressions for all these, but
want the reason behind the expressions. S. T.

Ans. — Your difficulty will disappear if you will refer all your
various kinds of power to heat, which is a form of power. You
must also remember that the heating and working effects of a
current are absolutely independent of its direction. By definition,
the root-mean-square values of the alternating-current and
voltage read on the alternating-current ammeter and voltmeter
are those of a current and voltage having exactly the same heat-
ing effects as those of a continuous current on the same amper-
age and voltage. Therefore the wattage, or power of a single-
phase alternating-current circuit, where the current and voltage
are in phase with each other, is the same as that of a direct-
current circuit where the instruments read the same number ol
amperes and volts on the circuits.

As for the power in polyphase circuits; in the case of a two-
phase circuit where the alternations were exactly opposed to
each other, or were 180 degrees apart, there would be no power
result. If, on the other hand, it was a two-phase circuit with
the alternations coming together the total power would be twice
the product of the current and voltage in one of the two cir-
cuits. Now, where the two sets of alternations are at righ*
angles with each other, or go degrees apart, as is the case in
commercial two-phase circuits, the total mean power expended
is between the two extremes given above. It can be shown by
geometry that it is equivalent to the y/2 or 1.414 times greater
than the power of one of the two phases. In an exactly similar
manner it is shown that where there are three sets of alterna-
tions each 120 degrees apart, as in the case of a three-phase
circuit, the mean power expended is proportional to the -y/3 or
1.732, the power of one of the circuits. All of the foregoing
holds true in all alternating currents of unity power factor.

Is there any relation between efficiency of a machine and its-
power factor? A. G. S.

Ans.— There is no direct relation between efficiency and power
factor, but a poor power factor reduces the efficiency of a
machine by increasing the losses in the windings for a given
wattage of output or input.

<g» $ $

Please give the formula for calculating the weight of a fly
wheel on a gas engine for driving a dynamo. R. E. V.

Ans. — A formula commonly used is

22,500 X A X / X p

Weight = where

D2 X R2
A, is the area of the piston in square inches; /, is the length of
tne stroke, p, the mean effective pressure ; D, the outside diamet-
er of wheel in. inches and R, the number of revolutions per min-
ute. The weight is that of the rim, the weight of the spokes and
hub being allowed for in the constant.

In making photometer tests of incandescent lamps, what is
the best speed for rotating the lamp? E. R. H.

Ans. — The lamp manufacturers generally use 180 rev. per min-
ute.

♦ ♦♦♦ »♦♦

Are three-phase motors better in any way than two-phase
motors? If not, why are they so much more generally used?

L. S.

Ans. — There is little or nothing to choose between the charac- '
teristics of two and three-phase motors themselves, but, for equal
currents and voltages applied to the motor, the lead wires to
the motor need be only three-fourths as heavy for the three-
phase as for two-phase with equal line losses. The superior ef-
ficiency of three-phase transmission is the sole reason for the
more general -use of three-phase induction motors.

* * *

Can the horse-power of a gas-engine be determined without
using an indicator?; F. B.

Ans. — Not in any way that we know of.

■*$*■»■*+ *|*

Is there any way to calculate the current carrying capacity of
a fuse wire? N. D. S.

Ans.— If the wire is of copper or of some other unalloyed
metal the carrying capacity can be figured from formulas that
are published in various hand-books and elsewhere. If the wire
is an alloy, as most fuse wires are, the current carrying capacity
can be determined only by experiment.

What is the difference between "inductance" and "se,lf -induct-
ance?" _ A. R. E.

Ans. — Inductance is a property of an electric circuit, small in
some kinds of circuit, as in a long line ; great in other kinds,
as in a coiled wire. It exists in the circuit whether any current
or no current is passing through it, being as much a part of it
as its weight or length and corresponding to the momentum of
a moving machine.

Self-inductance is the effect of a varying electric current in a
given circuit on the circuit itself. So self -inductance is only-
present when a varying current is passing through the circuit or
coil. The expression for the self-inductance in the case of a
4 n N2 r*

coiled circuit in air is L = where TV is the number of

io9 /
turns in the coil; r, the radius of the coil and / its length in
centimeters. The expression contains no term of current in it, but
it is based on unit current, or 1 ampere, and L becomes the coil's
self-induction in henrys.

B^fisad^s Fffsicg^a©© aaadi MdtHaodlg ©2 C^sniSffall l3\£irSa©sis0 <S®sift2'gi<s3©E'g aaidl MIilSllll!gl©tllS'@,

©WdH HHF*

Down Cincinnati way, latterly, there has come into unwonted
popularity the sign built of electric lights. Not only the ordinary
blazon, telling in letters as of golden fire, that this may be the
emporium of A. or B., or C, or that here you may eat, drink,
or make merry, but novel signs, curious signs, signs of such
sort that the stranger within the city's gates would stop— instant-
er — upon their coming to view, watch the play of the electric
current, as it achieved its curious marvels, and then go on, to
remember and tell of, wherever things electric, affairs of store-
life, came up for review!

The variety of these novel signs is such as to baffle him who
would describe them.

On one hand, a giant squirrel glows out on the night from
the top of one of the leading sky-scrapers turning 'round and
'round, as in a cage, then suddenly giving way to the legend
which suggests you patronize such-and-such a household stand-by.
Almost within the edge of the radiance cast by this, a restau-
ranteur whose name is Mills has set up a huge Dutch windmill —
all of lights and, so soon as evening falls, the sails revolve their
varied lights gleaming and beckoning the hungry. 'Round the

Electric Clock in Cincinnati
corner, just down a square, a more unique concept still awaits
you — a billiard-table, with its players done in lights — the sign,
however, so. arranged that you see the player make his move,
the watch the "ball" travel slowly to the pocket at end even as
you might on some real pool-table — except that here the travel-
ling "ball"' is only the current of electricity lighting lamp after
lamp, each in turn.

The most notable work of the sort in the Queen City — and in
all the great Mid-West, for that matter, is a monster form of

Electricity Advertises Itself

electric-clock mounted on its establishment by a leading de-
partment-store at the intersection of two leading business-high-
ways. By day, this clock not alone shows the correct time in
numerals, rather than upon a dial — as most clocks now do — but
holds aloft the name of the concern as well. By night all these
blaze out in a flood light, while the momentary changes of
the numerals to mark the passing of time, stops even those who
travel that street, day upon day, for another brief watching oi
the wonder. The clock, in fact, has much to interest even the
practical worker with electric-currents. The "time" for it is
supplied by one of the great telegraph-companies, but not hourly,
as with so many of the familiar "correct-time" clocks, but is
sent in every second ! Putting up the clock, in consequence,
required the labors of five skilled workmen for a period of ten
days. Five miles of wire were employed in all, this tremendous
circuit passing in and out from clock to store and store to clock
so as to permit the playing of the tremendous numbers of the
lamps. Altogether there are eight hundred connections
made in this monster affair, and these operate in such
wise that, as the electricians in charge say, "if one is out,
they are each and all wrong." While in process of completion,
the clock was tested four times each working day, that is, every
two hours.

The construction, once completed, is such in the clock that it
now substantially cares for itself; requiring hardly any "check-
ing" whatsoever. There is no "wearing out" to it, as a whole ;:
and, with proper repairs from such weathering as may come,.
should last, so to speak, forever.

52-

May, 1916

While the dial of the clock is twelve inches across, the clock,
as a;,- .whole, stands eighteen by thirty-six inches,, and, with the
accompanying ornamental devices goes to form the piece de
resistance of an electric sign twelve by fifteen inches in all.

Cincinnati also has her Electrical Prosperity Week, when elec-
trical signs, advertising the great displays of wares in such
field, are put up on the main plazas.

So again, there is the municipal Christmas Tree in the holiday
time with its myriad of electric lights.

The piece de resistance of the art of the electric lighting engi-
neer, however, is the adornment given its Walnut Street facade
by the Cincinnati Times-Star, one of the large evening dailies.

The accompanying picture tells the story better than words
could do. Forty men are employed, for a space of five days,
in putting in place the general decorative scheme of light rows,
with big star at center. This is exclusive of the other sign of
a capering newsboy at one corner. Tremendous as the effect,
however, the burning of these natural colored lamps only costs
the paper $3.60 the hour, since the law sets the tariff for such
service by scale of quantity, and the numbers here employed
bring the order to the "minimum light rate" of such law.

The lights burn from six at night until twelve, and when one
recalls that the building stands ninety-five feet high and notes
the rows on rows of lights used to outline, it is plain to see the
reason for the claim that is made of its being the best illumina-
tion for a newspaper building, west of New York at any rate.

The most unique feature of the Times-Star lighting device is
a moving sign of a newsboy shown as though running down the
city street, crying his "extra."

While its makers could turn out a sign of this sort in two
weeks, they state about thirty days is asked ordinarily for su'ch
an order.

The sign is run by high-speed flashes for, like all flashing signs,
the "running" newsboy is really an optical illusion.

The Times-Star is reported to have paid $1200 for the sign —
the boy alone being built of 1000 lamps of 10 watts and 150
volts each. The flashes upon these are arranged so that the
boy makes ten "strides" a minute, and by combination of white
lamps and green — to typify the green baseball extra issued — the
effect is one of the most striking to be found among electric
signs in all the Middle West.

♦ * *

The Esterline Company, Indianapolis, Ind., has just received
a contract to build the largest graphic meter in the world for
totalizing the entire output of thirty generating units with a total
of 250,000 kilowatts at the Mississippi River Power Company's

plant at Keokuk, la. This instrument is being designed by Es-V
terline and Angus, consulting engineers, and will be built by the;
Esterline Company. It will be placed in operation in the Fall of
1916.

The Betts & Betts Corporation, New York, is building a 20-
foot self-winding "Elektrik Klok" for the new Circle Theatre
in Indianapolis. This "Klok" will have electric hands, numerals
and minute marks. There will also be an attractive electric sign
equipped with a special flasher and several hundred colors caps.
This will be about the most elaborate electrical display in that
part of the country. The contractors for this work are the San-
born Electric Company of Indianapolis.

+x+ »$► +t+

It is reported that the exports of Tacoma '(Wash.) show rec-
ord breaking results. In the month of February the exports
amounted to $13,750,000, exceeding all previous records' of any
Puget Sound" port. The American Smelting and Refining Com-
pany have constructions and improvements under way involving
an expenditure of several millions of dollars.
♦ *i* *t+

Very Sntmll Motor Alii tit® C&toaret

Each year the cafes in New York's far famed Lobster Palace
belt strive for something new and novel with which to attract
their patrons. This year was no exception, and one of the
more enterprising, Murrays, at 42nd St. and Broadway, sprung a
surprise on its neighbors and patrons by the introduction of a
"revolving dance floor," which is advertised quite extensively.
The object of this floor was to add exhiliration and excitement
to the disciples of Terpischore who pursued the intricacies of
tango and other popular steps.

■^

>**

f& ■

■•■■

/ '*BPV

.;,;

*Sr

^"„>— -I-

I < -

" . '- 1

BW£?;'W*. '■H

::: :" a 2

Motor which rotates Dancing Floor

In order to provide the motive power for the floor, a West-
inghouse type CD y2 horsepower, 1165 r.p.m. motor was secured.
When the installation was started, however, it was found that the
speed was excessive even for the patrons of the "Great Wet
Way" and a Westinghouse type DA regulator was added to the
equipment which reduced the speed to such an extent that
dancing could be indulged in by anyone so desiring with comfort
and pleasure.

Each evening the floor twirls merrily with its load of human
freight, resembling a human whirlpool, propelled by a small elec-
tric motor. The management, it is said, still retains the high
speed arrangement, however, that in case the constantly increas-
ing desire of the American people for more excitement in its
hunt for pleasure demands more speed, it can readily be provided.

May, 1916

fatfiomall Sillscgtrlcal ■ I&aaagj® €

A special meeting was held April 14th, 1916, at the Executive
Offices of The Society for Electrical Development to consider the
undertaking of a national electric range campaign, both within
the industry as well as directing public attention to the ad-
vantages of electric cooking. Those attending were representa-
tives of leading electric range manufacturers. The meeting was
preliminary to the appointment of a national electric range com-
mittee composed of representatives of all electrical interests.

It is recognized that the attention of leading interests is being
focused upon the desirability of the electric range as a means of
building up the domestic load. Several manufacturers are con-
templating big campaigns to promote electric range sales and it
was reasoned that The Society for Electrical Development would
be the best organization to act as a clearing house for the cam-
paign as it did in the "Wire Your Home" movement, which has
just come to a successful close.

It was suggested that the Society direct its special efforts to
the securing and publishing of data showing cost of cooking
in the various communities of the country. Much of this data
it already has on hand. It was shown that in over 2,800 com-
munities a cooking rate of 5c or lower is in existence. Of this

number over 70 per cent, or 4c or lower and 27 per cent., or
lower. It is recognized that the rate must be 4c or less to be
sufficiently attractive to the householder before a range is pur-
chased.

It would be the function of the Society to lend support to
central stations by giving them specific data on the desirability
of range business, and to aid them in conducting range cam-
paigns. Sales arguments for range salesmen to use could be
standardized as much as possible, and then published in book
form to be used by the individual salesman. It was proposed that
the Society issue a booklet on how to put on a range campaign.

Considerable stress was laid upon the suggestions that central
stations include cost of installation in their range prices. In
other words, quoting prices with the range installed, thus avoid-
ing selling the range and having to then argue out cost of
installation.

The Society would aid in developing the public demand for
ranges by disseminating advertising and publicity matter through
its various channels.

It was decided to appoint a special committee, to take up in
detail the plans for a national electric range campaign. This com-
mittee to meet at Chicago, May 22nd, 3 P. M. which will be
N. E. L. A. Convention registration day.

Rotating Dancing Floor in Murray's Restaurant, New York City

May, 1916

M, t>ft&t@sn@2&t ®fi tl&e Jkctwsmtafies ®f t&® H@©tel€ "Welilcle ff®^ City Pmp®s<gs

NEVER was opportunity better than at the present time for
replacement of horse-drawn and gasoline-propelled
vehicles by those employing batteries in certain classes of
work. One of the most promising fields in this respect, and
one that is quite accessible to the progressive and aggressive
salesman, is that of municipal service — the sprinkling and
sweeping of streets, the flushing of sewers, lineman's wagons,
arc-light trimmers ladders, run-abouts for park maintainance,
garbage disposal, etc. Of course each class of vehicle has its
own sphere, and the use of one may overlap that of the other
with equality of economy, but on close investigation it will
often be found that the battery car has very great advantages
over the gasoline vehicle.

Opinion of Satisfied Purchaser

Usually it is the viewpoint of the seller rather than that
of the buyer that we hear in the matter of salesmanship.
Recently the writer had the privilege of listening to a man
who has gone thoroughly into this matter for one of the
younger very progressive western cities. That the result was
pleasing had been borne out ofter considerable practical trial.
That the change from gasoline-propelled and horse-drawn
vehicles was not made without considerable careful delibera-
tion was apparent by the statements of this man.

These statements are particularly interesting because they
are those of the buyer, and a satisfied buyer. They also make
interesting talking points for the salesman — they are so much
to the point — that they seem most certainly worth taking ad-
vantage of.

Everyone is familiar with the salesman who has something
to sell, and the talking points he uses to dispose of his wares.
And we all know how, when he has come to the end of his
stock of talking points, he starts again, going round in a
circle. Talking points are useful when they apply and are
backed by facts as they are, but they are liable to do more
harm than good when this is not the case. Electric vehicles
should not be sold on talking points even when it is possible
to do so, and it frequently is, unless the salesman is familiar
with the conditions that his product will have to meet. If
this fact is not kept in mind such sales may react to the
detriment of the electric industry. The electric vehicle in the
right place is the best advertisement in the world, but if it
is in the wrong place it may do irreparable harm, since it is
difficult if not impossible to win back the good-will and con-
fidence of a discontented and disgusted customer and prevent
his advertising his grievances at every opportunity.

The salesman who has at heart the best interests of the in-
dustry he professes to serve will not attempt to make sales
irrespective of the suitability of his product to meet them,
but he will look into the facts very carefully before recom-
mending his firm's goods. A sale to-day that is a misplaced
sale may mean no-sales to-morrow. Study the facts before
making your claims. It is only when you know all the con-
ditions that you can feel truly confident. The confident
salesman makes a better showing than the one who lacks
confidence. Confidence often clinches a sale. And remember
that nothing does more to win a man's confidence than
ability to show him that you know his business as well if not
better than he does himself.

Factors to be Considered

There are many factors affecting the choice of vehicle to use
for municipal service, and the work in one city may, and will,
vary with that of another but certain factors have a predom-
inating influence in all cases. The chief of these are the lay-

out of the city, the class of service ; class and condition of
streets, grades, paving, etc. ; climatic conditions ; routing of the
different classes of work, distances to be travelled, the load,.
number of trips per day; cost of labor; cost of energy for
various demands and load factors; cost of real estate. Some
of these items are difficult to determine, others again are com-
paratively simple. But it is well worth the time in obtaining
some idea as to all of these, for it shows at least that you
know something of what you are talking about. When you
know your facts then is the time to use your talking points, and
not until then.

Advantages Over Horse Drawn Vehicles

It is probably more simple to replace the horse-drawn vehicle
by the electric than it is to supersede the gasoline car. The
advantages of the electric over the horse-drawn vehicle are so
obvious to all after a little thought that there seems really no-
need to mention them. In the first place for a definite amount
of work the cost of operation and the initial investment will
be less for the electric, than for horses and their equipment ;.
or expressed in another way more work and quicker work can
be done by electrics for the same cost. Horses require feeding
whether they work or not, whereas electric batteries need little
attention if not in use. The horse fails at the crucial period
— extremely hot or cold days — whereas the battery is unaffected.
A sick horse is a continual expense, but a battery can be easily
renewed if damaged. It is difficult to calculate the depre-
ciation of a horse, whereas that of an electric battery is a
known amount'; the former is comparatively high, however,,
and speculative. The insurance rates on the two are very
favorable to the battery. Since the electric is able to accom-
plish more work than the horse-drawn vehicles fewer are need-
ed, and the saving in teamsters and other labor is very mater-
ially reduced. One man can look after more electrics than he-
can horses, and the space required for the former is less than
for the latter on a basis of equal number of vehicles or equality
of output. A stable- cannot be built anywhere because of the
unpleasant conditions that may exist in its vicinity — whereas a
garage for electric vehicles requires no thought on this mat-
ter, because it is noiseless, odorless and can cause no objections.
The horse leaves dirt wherever it goes, in this way tending to
defeat its own purpose. In city streets, which are* unfor-
tunately far too narrow and congested, the slow turning of
teams on sprinklers, etc., not only tends to make the con-
gestion worse but brings in the element of danger also. These
facts are so obvious that the horse is being rapidly superseded
by self-propelled vehicles without any particularly strenuous ef-
forts of the manufacturers of these vehicles.

Placing the electric in place of the gasoline car is more dif-
ficult, however, and requires extra effort, especially where the
one is to replace the other. Here competition is keen, and a
combination of facts and strong talking points are required. It
is a question of economy — as in all instances — with the addition
that aesthetic considerations and questions of flexibility enter
also. It is not everywhere that the electric should compete with
the gasoline car. But in municipal work, on level streets, sprink-
ling, flushing, etc., there is every opportunity for economy to-
be obtained. As has heen pointed out before each case must
be given careful thought and deliberation. When this has been
done the talking points to bring into play are somewhat as fol-
lows :

Slow Speeds Advantageous

The electric vehicle is ideal for flushing and sweeping of
streets and boulevards, and unfavorable to the gasoline car,,
because of the speeds required for this work. For sprinkling,.

May, 1916

about six to eight miles per hour is about the most desirable
speed. The battery car is admirably adapted to these compara-
tively low speeds, whereas the gasoline cars will have to be
operated on low speed gears or with slipping clutch. The gasoline
car uses nearly as much gasoline when going fast as slow
whereas the electric takes current from the battery that is pro-
portional to the speed : the lower the speed the lower the current.
The gasoline vehicle is rather noisy, especially when changing
speeds, gives off pungent and obnoxious odors; on the other hand
the electric is noiseless and odorless, both important factors in
its favor where work in residential districts, hospital zones, and
parks has to be done. The electric battery is of higher efficiency
than the gasoline engine. Fire risks and insurance rates are
lower for the former than for the latter. The entire absence
of smell and noise with the electric enables it to be housed in
residential districts where necessary, whereas the smell of car-
bonized oil and the noise of back-fires, racing engines that ac-
company the gasoline cars precludes their housing in such lo-
calities. The frame of the electric is of simpler construction,
and there are fewer rotating parts and less auxiliary app-irtus
to become deranged, making maintenance and depreciation less
therefore. The skill for operation will also be of lower grade
without interfering in any way with the operation of the electric
vehicle. As the driver has less to think about in the electric —
the motor cannot be easily damaged in these vehicles — there is
less likelihood of accidents due to this cause. The labor required
for the gas car should be of fairly high grade, both for opera-
tion and for repairing, whereas for the electric the only really
skilled labor needed is that for the maintenance of the batteries.
The floor space is less for the electric than for the gasoline car,
and the space required for repairs is also in its favor. Perhaps
one of the most important items, and one that should be made
to carry considerable weight, is that of the cost of energizing the
two classes of vehicle. The cost of electrical energy for charging
batteries is steadily becoming less as time goes on, and the more
vehicles there are to be charged the lower becomes the charge for
doing it. In striking contrast is the cost of gasoline. The price
is steadily rising, sometimes soaring, and as the number of
gasoline vehicles increase the cost of gasoline may be expected
to increase. In any case it is not a fixed quantity but one that
varies. This fact alone deserves careful consideration without
the influence of the many other factors that are favorable to the
electric vehicle.

tenance, depreciation, insurance and labor, to do so. It seems
reasonable that a city will find the same results obtaining with
them. While economy is the criterion in practically all cases, the
greater the other advantages the better. In municipal work —
especially in political campaigns, etc. — civic pride is a phase of the
subject that is worth mentioning. Cities are, in the majority,,
progressive and proud of their progressiveness. Civic pride is in
favor of electric vehicles. The silent, smooth-running, clean
electric is a very good advertising feature for any town or city.
It attracts the attention and comment of the transient, and breeds
interest and satisfaction in the resident. The silent methods ot
transport suggest business-like methods and efficiency; they tend
to make one place trust in the foresightedness and business acu-
men of the civic government.

Central Stations Advertising Opportunities

A subject of this nature must, of necessity, be somewhat gen-
eral. When trying to place sales the likelihood of doing so is-
very much greater when the salesman is able to be specific in-
stead of general, and this is possible only after investigation of
the pros and cons of the case in hand. The importance of care-
fully doing this has been pointed out, and for tne sake of the
good of the industry as a whole attention is drawn to it again.

The Importance of Practicing What They Preach

It cannot be impressed too strongly upon central station com-
panies. Let them use the electric vehicle for their work — de-
livery of lamps, lineman's wagons, lamp trimmers, and general
purposes. Such usage is often dictated by reason of economy,
but the value of doing this from the advertising viewpoint is
often overlooked. The electric light company has its men and
wagons going round the city all the time and everywhere. The:
sight of these electrics cannot fail to impress all who have eyes
to see their silent, steady effectiveness.

The opportunity is here, and now, for the salesmen of the
manufacturers and central station companies to increase their
sales and load. The returns are well worth going after. And
there will be returns, big returns, if those who have the op-
portunity act with conviction.

Electric Irons in a Cloak and Suit Factory

Civic Pride Favors Electric

The large department stores, packers and others use vast fleets
of electrics because they find that it is economical of time, main-

Electric Irons in a Tailor's Shop

U§@ ©2 II2i<©(gib?a(gat^ Sib, ©nsm^smft ISFiradl®

Some interesting figures in connection with heating installa-
tions for industrial uses have been collected by the Heating
Bureau of The New York Edison Company. The yearly report
showed a gain in the number of articles installed of more tha^

May, 1916

twenty per cent., and a gain in fifty watt equivalent of approxi-
mately twenty per cent. These figures, however, do not ade-
quately represent the increased load on the lines when electric
heating is being judged as a revenue producer. The reason is
that the average heating appliance in commercial use is in serv-
ice many more hours a day than an equal installation in lights.
To prove this, an investigation was made of representative heat-
ing installations of this character.

A study was made of eight flat iron installations by Mr. C. N.
Lewis, manager of the Heating Bureau. These eight installa-
tions totaled 105 irons which consumed 67,659 kw-hr. for the
year, representing an average yearly consumption of 644 kw-hr.
per iron, or an income at an eight cent rate of $51.52 an iron per
year.

The first case was a cloak and suit manufacturer with an
equipment of 20 Simplex irons of the 770-watt type. By actual
meter readings this installation for 1915 brought in a return (at
a 5c rate) of $1,113.15 to the company. Case No. 2 was a fash-
ionable men's tailoring establishment on Fifth Avenue. Here
thirteen G. E. flat irons produced $402.75. A "waist house" using
eighteen 6-pound Reimers irons was tested, this being a type
consuming only half as much current as the irons used by the
tailer ; the company's annual income here was $486.36. Another
"shirtwaist house" using 24 of this lighter iron consumed $750.72
worth of current.

As New York is the center of the garment trade for the
United States, it can easily be seen that this is an extensive
and lucrative field.

A Waist-Shop which "Does it Electrically"

The Successful Store — The Part Location Plays in the Suc-
cess of a Business Enterprise
By G. D. Crain, Jr.

One of the big things connected with every mercantile enter-
prise, which determines, almost from the beginning, its chances
for success or failure, is its location. If it is properly located,
it is likely to succeed, other conditions being favorable ; while
if it has a poorly selected location, it will have a hard time
making a good showing, even though it is well managed and
adequately financed.

In view of the fact that the business of selling electrical mer-
chandise, as such, is fairly new, and most members of the trade
are graduating or overflowing into it from contracting and other
allied lines, it may be worth while to consider some of the
things which logically should be taken into account in selecting
a location for a store.

In the first place, you must of course have a "stand" which
is passed by a reasonably large number of people, because
transient trade is the life of the retail business. If you could
not count on pulling a certain amount of business into the store
by means of the window displays, you might as well get
quarters on some side-street, at a fraction of the expense rep-
resented in the use of a store-room in the heart of the retail
section.

But, while this is true, it is also evident that the expense to
be assumed must not be out of proportion with the business
which could reasonably be looked for. Rent is the biggest item
in overhead expense, in most instances, and there is no reason
in favor of assuming an overhead expense which is out of line
with the volume of the business. Such a plan would insure loss
from the very beginning.

The electrical dealer is therefore between the Scylla of his
necessity in the way of a good location and the Charybdis of
economy. If he goes too far in the way of getting a bang-up
location, he is likely to "spill the beans" in assuming such a heavy
running expense that the only place where he can expect to come
out for a long time to come is at the small end of the horn.
Failure at the Point of Success

Right here it may be worth emphasizing that every business
must expect to make a poor showing, as far as profits are con-
cerned, at the beginning. It is the exceptional retail enterprise
which can show a balance on the right side of the ledger from
the very beginning of its operations. In fact, the writer knows
of two electrical concerns which, having an ambition to develop
retail business, established branches in the principal retail dis-
trict some distance from their main establishments. This in-
volved considerable expense, including the salary of a manager.
Likewise, it took some time to get people in the habit of buying
there, in spite of fairly consistent and aggressive advertising.
The result was that just about the time when the efforts which
had been put forth were beginning to count, and when the cap-
italization, so to speak, of the advertising and sales work had
begun to produce, the heads of these concerns decided that they
had lost enough money, and closed up their retail stores.

The action was so nearly simultaneous, as a matter of fact,
that it was suggested that the two concerns, which have been
rivals in a business way for a long time, had been running the
stores merely to compete with each other, and that the pleasure
of doing this had finally lost its savor.

However, the moral is that if you are going to invest money
in an expensive location, have the nerve to stick it out, and
give your enterprise a chance to accumulate the good -will which
operating at a stand for months and years will finally develop.
Don't expect to produce a full-fledged, profitable retail business
in three days or three weeks or three months ; it can't be done.

If you have a shop or general store in a location which suits
you for all of your business except retailing, and are looking
for an opportunity to start a branch, remember, too, that one
of the most important things of all is getting the right kind of
manager. A good many electrical concerns have made the
egregious mistake of trying to hire a good manager at the
salary paid a fair clerk ; and their experiences have not been
satisfactory. If you expect to put the responsibility of making
good on the shoulders of your manager, you must pay enough to
be able to get a man who will rise to the responsibility, rather
than collapse under it.

Best Location for Electrical Store

The writer believes that the average electrical store could
best be located just'off the main thoroughfare. That is, in most
cases the business which could be developed at the beginning
would hardly support a store located on the best street and
therefore operated with the largest rental. In most cities there
are certain main avenues of trade, where the principal traffic
is to be found, and there are other streets running into them,
which are almost as good from the retail standpoint.

If you can find a street of this kind, especially one which

May, 1916

is "coming," and which is getting the business crowded off the
main avenues by increasing rentals, the chances are that you
have a location which will constantly increase in value, and which
would be worth tying up with by means of a long lease. It often
happens that the value of a certain street, normally a second-
rate location, is increased by the too rapid advances of realty
values on the main thoroughfares, forcing merchants whose
margin of profit and volume of business are limited into quar-
ters in less expensive surroundings. A street which is' getting
the stores of these merchants would be a good place for the
electrical store, because the more stores, the more customers for
everybody. It makes a market, so to speak, and helps to biiild
up traffic, which one store can hardly control.

A man who was entering the electrical goods business a short
time ago made a ten-strike by taking a location which was
obviously good. At least, it seemed obvious after he had taken
it, though prior to that time no one had appeared to realize the
situation. It happened that the central station in that town had
decided to discontinue sales of electrical merchandise, so that
while it continued to show appliances for the purpose of inter-
esting its customers in their use, prospective purchasers were
referred to the various dealers carrying the goods in stock.

This new-comer in the business realized that a great many
people visited the office of the electric light company to pay
their bills ; likewise that they were being influenced by the dis-
plays of the merchandise, which was attractively shown, with
current turned on in most cases. He appreciated the fact that if
he were in the immediate vicinity, a good many people who had
been interested in electrical goods through visiting the office ot
the lighting company would probably buy from him.

The central station has its offices on a side-street, a good lo-
cation, if not the best from a retail standpoint. The dealer
found that he could rent a store almost directly across the street
from it, and he proceeded to sign a lease for the space at a
figure which, compared with what he would have had to pay on
the principal street, was extremely small. As he figured it, how-
ever, it was almost as good, if not better, for the reason that
it gave him a chance at the very persons who were most likely
to be good prospects for the appliances with which he stocked
up.

Window Display Plays Big Part

The plan which he adopted has worked out very well thus tar.
He has paid special attention to his window displays, so as to
get the maximum value from his location, and he has not
stopped with depending on sales in the store, but has advertised,
put salesmen out on the street and in other ways has sought to
develop business, the net result being that he has made a go
of the proposition. But he figures that he has an ideal location
for his specialty, and the chances are that this is the case.

In this connection the matter of window displays is worth
commenting on. No matter how poor your location, and no
matter how few the number of people who come by, don't
forget that you have sales opportunities by means of your
windows, and that neglecting these opportunities is like throwing
dollar-bills into the waste-basket.

Your windows may not be as valuable from the display stand-
point as those of the department stores — but they don't cost you
nearly so much to maintain. In prooprtion, you can get just as
much out of the windows as the merchant who is paying pos-
sibly thousands of dollars a month for the privilege of displaying
his wares to the passing throngs. ' If you only made one sale a
week from the windows, it would be worth while, and in the
meantime the attractive displays would be impressing those
who passed with the fact that here is a live dealer, who is taking
advantage of every business opportunity.

Get as good a location as you can, in view of your limitations
as to rental expense ; and then proceed to make the most of it.
That is the thing to remember in this connection, with special
emphasis, when it comes to selecting a store, on the adage of
Davy Crockett, "Be sure you're right, and then go ahead!"

The accompanying illustration, Figure 1, shows a most inter-
esting form of light armored motor car developed at the Berry
Works at Thames Ditton, Surrey, England. This was
the first English armored car light ever made. The
attitude of the operator in this car is peculiar. It is
necessary for him to sit on the floor of the car. The
steering wheel is rather far forward, standing in the mouth of
the tunnel-like armored scuttle. Behind the driver's back, there
is a strip of board to give pedal purchase, and before his eyes
a slit some twelve inches long by an inch wide. This gives a
surprisingly wide view of the road straight ahead, but no great
amount of sideway vision, the result being that when taking a

Fig. 1. — English Armored Car

sharp corner it is rather difficult to see, and turning completely
around in the road is a two-man job.

Figure 2 shows an American portable searchlight for military
field use as demonstrated at the Marine Barracks, League Island,
Navy Yard, Philadelphia. It was also tested out before the
Engineering Department at the Washington Barracks, and the
Maryland State Militia made very interesting experiments with
it in their manoeuvers. It is stated that after the first test
was made at League Island, a very thorough and appreciative
report was made by the officer in charge which showed that on
a dark night with sleet falling each lamp gave good illumination
at distances up to 1500 yards. The military officials have taken
particular interest in this motor search light because of the use
they have been put to in the European war and also during
the operations of the American Marine Corps at Vera Cruz and
Culebra the need and the varied uses for such an equipment was
clearly shown.

The features that any such portable light must combine are
reliability, ruggedness, ease of carriage, and construction of
such nature that all of the set may be quickly assembled and
placed in operation. The electrical apparatus of the equipment
is mounted on a special body on an autocar chassis, as shown in

5§

May, 1916

Figure 3. The body is designed so as to furnish protection for
the power plant, and to support the four reels of flexible cable,
and the spring mounted tracks on which the two searchlight
hand trucks rest. These springs are quite essential in eliminating
road shocks from the delicate mechanism of the lamps.

Fig. 2. — The Searchlight in Use

The power plant consists of a gasoline motor 4% x 4J/2 inches,
coupled direct to a 7-kilowat Westinghouse direct-current gen-
erator. This generator is designed to run 1200 revolutions per
minute, at which speed it gives 125 volts and delivers 56 amperes.
The motor is equipped with a Pierce fly-ball governor, regu-
lating the speed with very close limits. The engine driving this
generator is supplied with its own gasoline tank, and also an
independent radiator kept cool by a high-speed fan.

The two hand trucks which carry the searchlights and reels
of flexible wire are constructed entirely of steel and aluminum,
and have two wire wheels, each equipped with 28 x 3-inch
pneumatic wires. These trucks are light in weight and rigid in
construction, and so designed that they have large road clear-
ance beneath the light to enable them to be. operated in very
rough country.

Fig. 3- — Power Plant for Lights
For supplying the necessary current, each light carries 1350
feet of cable, divided into two lengths of 675 feet each, so that
each lamp can be operated at any distance within the limits of
the cable from the power plant without unreeling all of the
wire to get at the inner end. The inner ends are arranged to
pass through the heads of the drums, so that the attachment
may be readily made. Each searchlight is 14 inches in diameter
and has an arc of 5,000 candle power, which is effective up to a
distance of one mile on a clear night.

In order to get the maximum value of the lamp, the observer
stands at some distance to one side, and by means of a field

telephone the officers control the operation of the light as
found necessary.

* * *

Trouble is often experienced, on circuits carrying heavy and
violently fluctuating loads, due to the induction regulator "over-
running." This is particularly liable to occur in the older types
which were built with a very heavy rotor, because the inertia
of this heavy mass tends to maintain the rotor in motion, al-
though the regulator has reached the position corresponding to
the correct voltage.

Consider the starting of a large induction motor. With the
sudden rush of current the regulator starts to turn, and pos-
sibly continues turning even though the current has dropped
somewhat. It over-runs, and then when at last it does actually
stop, starts back in the endeavor to bring the voltage back to
the correct value. Perhaps the current again fluctuates and
the regulator starts off again. In this way over-running results
in a continual see-sawing back and forth of the regulator, caus-
ing needless wear and tear of the regulator and the various
mechanisms controlling it, and at the same time seriously inter-
fering with the regulation of voltage. To overcome this difficulty
the later types of induction regulators have been built with a
much lighter rotor, and with less inertia therefore, and have,
in addition, been fitted with some form of brake that will either
apply itself directly the current to the motor ceases, or that is
on all the time and is only capable of bringing the rotor to a
stop when the motor is not energized.

Many of the older forms of regulators had no brake at all,
hence they tend to give trouble from over-running, especially
when the load is a heavy and fluctuating power load such as
when supplying large hoist motors, draw-bridges, large com-
pressors, of ice plants, etc. Where this is the case a very simple
and inexpensive means may be employed for overcoming the
difficulty. It is, in effect a brake of the constant-friction type,
and is obtained b merely having two pieces of wood clamped
together around the shaft operating the regulator rotor in such

a way that they will bring the rotor to a quick stop directly the
motor is disconnected from the source of power supply. The
general arrangements shown in Fig. 1. The blocks are of wood,
any wood will do although hard wood is preferable, about 1 inch
wide and three-quarter inch thick. The faces adjacent to the
shaft are bored out to about the same diameter as that of the
shaft they are to work upon. The fit should preferably be a
good one. These two wooden blocks are clamped together by
means of wood screws, stove bolts or in any other way that is
most convenient. The blocks will be found to be most satis-
factory if made of such length that they are able to rest at their
base upon the top of the regulator casing, and on one side against
the bearing of the shaft, as in this way they are kept in position
in two planes. The friction is varied by screwing or unscrew-
ing the screws or bolts, the desired amount being found by actual
trial according to the loads supplied by the regulator. This brake
requires no attention whatsoever although it is best to lubricate
it occasionally with a little vaseline, graphite or kerosene.

This form of brake is most effective, while costing very little
to make.

c^^Xl&lfilL

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The Names of Manufacturers not appearing in this Section will be gladly supplied on Request.

Was,(Sl-ILs©ia©rdl FiIbM M3h@©£t£&ftg

The inevitable deterioration of exposed-wire rheostats due to
oxidation has long been a serious problem with every manu-
facturer and user of these devices. The hot wire is peculiarly
exposed to the attack of oxygen in the air which surrounds it,
and as time goes on the metal is gradually converted into
oxide, which is a very poor conductor. Thus the area of the
wire is reduced and its resistance and temperature are increased
until eventually it burns through and breaks.

The whole problem has been neatly solved by the Ward-Leon-
ard Electric Company, of Mount Vernon, N. Y. By enclosing
the resistance unit in vitreous enamel, baked on at high tem-
perature, all access of the air is prevented. The enamel is chosen
to have a temperature coefficient of expansion such that it ex-
pands at the same rate as the wire. Thus there is no tendency
for the two to pull apart or crack. Further, the enamel is an
excellent conductor of heat, and it offers a larger surface for
radiation than could the wires themselves.

The prices of this line of apparatus are as low as is consistent
w'th the company's policy of sending out only the very best of
material and workmanship. The six-inch size, illustrated here-
with, lists at $2.50 each.

* * *

A Massachusetts manufacturing company has put on the
market a device known as the mechanical arm, for holding
telephones, lights, etc., which makes it possible to place these
articles in any position desired by giving a combination of
all possible motions. Not a single nut or screw has been used
in the construction of this device? and yet it is so compensat-
ed that the light or telephone remains in any position in
which it is placed. It cannot drop, twist, or lean to one
side.

With this device universal motion in three dimensions is
obtained. Located in the tubing that is fastened to the base
is a spring and a friction plug. By tightening a little screw
the friction can be adjusted to any degree so that heavier
light shades can be used on the lamps.

These arms for light use are made in lengths of 25 and 30
inches, in the following forms; with base, with clamp for
typewriters and flat top desks, with wall bracket, or with a
flange for use on work benches.

They are excellent lamps for hospitals, reading rooms,
offices, machine shops or any place where a concentrated
light is needed in different positions.

Anyone who has tried to hold a telephone and write at the
same time will appreciate the convenience of having the tele-
phone stay before him, wherever placed and have the freedom
of either hand. These mechanical arms are made for tele-
phone use in lengths of 28 and 33 inches.
4> \ * *

S± Itw Adapt©!1 M@gSgt@E&©@

A new type of resistance has been put on the market by the
Ward Leonard Electric Co., of Mount Vernon, N. Y.

It consists of a Ward Leonard Enameled Resistance unit
arranged with an Edison base screw plug at one end, and
an Edison socket at the other end.

This compact little article called an "adaptor" resistance
provides a very convenient means of introducing resistance
in a circuit. As it can be furnished practically any size or
capacity, its uses are many, among them being with the
universal type motors to adopt them to either alternating or
direct current at any constant speed, also in connection with
low voltage apparatus when run on high voltage.

The resistance unit uses a wire, with a low temperature
coefficient-wound on a porcelain tube, the whole being embed-
ded in a coating of vitreous enamel making it impervious to
electrical, mechanical and chemical disentegration.

May, 1916

Below are illustrated some of the recent fixtures brought
out by the Herwig Art Shade and Lamp Co., of Chicago, 111.

This firm manufactures a complete line of fixtures for type
"C"' nitrogen filled lamps built especially for outdoor service
store front, yard and dock lighting.

A number of these units have also been used for interior
lighting with very satisfactory results.

All the parts of these fixtures are made of cast metal and
fire enameled to prevent rusting. This treatment makes them
very durable and also presents a very pleasing appearance.

Jfe VENTILATION

VENTILATION

the least number of gears for the range of spindle speeds ob-
tained of any motor-driven headstock on the market.

The motors are supplied either 115, 230 or 550 volts direct
current, no alternating current motors are furnished.

The equipment includes motor, automatic starting panel,
drum type operator's switch, giving start, drift, dynamic
brake and reverse, motor base casting G, intermediate shaft
H (including bearings and grease cups), gears A, B and C,
and gear guard for same, all mounted and fitted complete on
base casting G, also gears D and E, data for which is obtain-
ed from customer. Customer furnishes quill I or some other
means of supporting base casting G. Customer fits and
mounts parts on lathe, which requires about two day's inter-
ruption in use of the machine or the customer ships com-
plete headstock from his lathe to the factory where the
company furnishes, fits and mounts motor and all parts and
returns it with starting equipment to customer ready to
again mount on lathe bed and run as an all-geared motor-driv-
en lathe. Customers mount starting panel and runs neces-
sary wires to starter and motor.

The Lee Electric Radiator Company, 629 Peoples Gas Build-
ing, Chicago, 111., have lately placed on the market a water heater
for use in water tanks or boilers which are generally heated
by some other means. The heating unit consists of a pipe 1.25
inches in diameter, and 56.5 inches long, which can be inserted
in the opening through the top of a tank or boiler, as shown in
the cut. The unit is threaded for 1 inch at the top and consists
of an open resistance coil or heating element submerged in an

Most cone pulley lathes are equipped with a single back
gear giving at least a 1:10 reduction in the spindle speeds
as compared with the direct drive. A motor having a 1:3 or
1:4 speed ratio cannot be applied to such a lathe without
adding a second gear change, or if this is not done without
having a very objectionable gap in the very middle of the
range of spindle speeds. To add a second back gear is an

expensive and complicated proposition as compared with
obtaining the same results with the existing back gear shaft'
and bearings. In the machine illustrated a motor having a
1:6 speed ratio is used, no second back gear is required and
by changing the existing back gear ratio from 1:10 to 1:6, the
same total range of spindle speeds is obtained without a
break. This gives the most compact all-gear drive with

insulating, non-oxidizing, fluid. These units are made with
single-heat elements rated at 500 watts and 750 watts, and with
three-heat units rate at 1,500 and 2,000 watts. From tests it has
been found that approximately 45 gallons of water can be had
every 24 hours at a temperature of 115 degrees Fahrenheit.

The California company manufacturing ranges, illustrated
herewith, use the open-coil reflector type heating element.

The heating element is made of steel and porcelain im-
bedded in steel, in a truss form of construction that makes for
rigidity and absorbs a minimum of heat.

The importance of the heating element, or burner, in an
electric range makes the following information exceptionally
pertinent to those interested in electric range cooking. The
claims of the company for these ranges are:

May, 1916

Speed: Working temperature is reached within 15 sec-
onds after current is applied and an element wound for 1,500
watts with a diameter of not more than 8l/2 ins. approximates
the speed of a modern sized gas burner.

Economy: Highest economy is obtained because the prin-
ciple upon which this element transmits heat to the cooking
utensils is very similar to the gas burner and any type of
cooking utensils can be used to good advantage.

It is a well know law of physics that dark surfaces attract
or absorb heat and bright surfaces reflect or repeal it. That's
why we wear dark colors in winter and light colors in sum-
mer.

Careful house to house investigation showed that the ma-
jority of utensils used in the home had a more or less dark
or dull bottom This fact influenced the construction of the
reflector type of burner as it shows great economy and
efficiency when using the ordinary utensils found in the
home. It operates directly on the principle that dark, dull
surfaces absorb heat rays more rapidly than light colored,
bright surfaces.

The element is easily removed by taking out three screws
which make the electric connections.

Each range is controlled by a three-heat indicating snap-
switch.

The range is made in five models — to suit the needs of
either large or small families.

Four of the models are of the standard gas range design ;
another is modeled after what is known as the "gasoline stove
type."

All models are finished in black enamel. The ovens of four
of them are lined with aluminized steel and high grade min-
eral wool is packed between the walls.
* * *

IglestofisaE IP©MsMim) ILsftlis

An electric polishing lathe, that "Saves the gold and bags
the dust," is shown in the accompanying illustration.

The complete outfit consists of a Westinghouse motor

dust flying from the wheels are thrown against the universal
hoods and adjustable shields, and drawn down the vertical
suction pipes. This dust is then separated from the air
during the passage of the air through four traps which dis-
pose of it without clogging the apparatus. Thus all the valu-
able dust is collected and saved.

These outfits are fully guaranteed by the makers and a free
ten-day trial offer is made to all reliable jewelers.
>j* >j* >j*

Builders of electrical machinery and consulting and contract-
ing engineers will be interested in a motor-driven pump designed

especially for forcing oil under the bearings of electrical ma-
chinery, which has lately been placed on the market by a pump
manufacturing company. This pump is of the single-acting
quadruplex horizontal type, with %-in. cylinders and stroke of
4 in. It has a capacity of 2 gallons per minute against a pressure
of 1200 lbs. The base of the pump is built with a self contained
reservoir of 10 gals, capacity to which the oil returns from
the bearings. The pump is equipped with brass-lined cylinders,
plungers of hardened tool steel, bronze crossheads running in
bored guides, forged steel crank shaft, and cast steel connecting
rods, babbitted on the crank end and bronze bushed on the cross-
head end.

A heavy metal shield for covering guy wires and protecting
passers-by when they accidently run into them has recently been
brought out to t.ice the place of iron pipe, wooden boxes and
similar devices that have hitherto been employed for this pur-
pose.

mounted on a pedestal equipped with fan, dust traps, and uni-
versal hoods.

When polishing and grinding is being done the particles of

The shield consists of a heavy-gauge steel formed into a
half-circle, as shown in the accompanying illustration. It is
7 feet long, weight 12 lbs. and is provided with two clamping
devices 18 in. from each end for attaching to the guy wire at
any point desired. One clamping device on the protector
is provided with a bolt 1 in. longer than the other, thus
enabling the longer clamp to be clamped over the rod, if de-

May, 1916

sired, while the other clamp can be attached to the guy wire
in the usual manner. The protector is said to be neat in ap-
pearance and presents sufficient surface to be plainly visible
from all sides. It is finished in a light-gray color, very eas-
ily installed and can be used for a long time.
<$► $t &

D&ff^Eses 2®r Nitff®g^sa-IFIfiled, Lasups

The general tendency with modern intense radiants at com-
mand is to light too brilliantly, to key the vision to too high
a pitch.

Save under special circumstances, very powerful radiants
are disadvantageous, particularly if of great intrinsic brilliancy.

In actual practice it is a matter of difficulty to place the
light wholly out of the field of vision and the more brilliant
the light the greater the necessity for a shield. Hence it has
been a difficult matter to treat modern illumants without
loss of efficiency.

Seeing the necessity for shielding the eye from the direct
rays of these highly brilliant illuminants, and at the same
time preserving the luminous value of these rays, the dif-
fusers illustrated herein have been developed to remove the
objectionable features, and at the same time preserve the lumin-
ous value of useful light of the modern illuminants.

C .

They can be installed in any fixture now used or with any
existing installation of shades or reflectors, or in any fixture
in which you can place the new type "C" lamps. They are
easily installed by simply slipping the holder over the base
of the lamps and snapping on the diffuser. For new work
there are three special types of reflectors which can be
highly recommended.

* * ■*

For every day work the thing most needed is an efficient
light of moderate intrinsic brilliancy.

This winter a convenient foot-warmer has added greatly to
the comfort of Pittsburgh policemen, for the Westinghouse
Electric and Mfg. Co. has made a heater which resembles in

H. M. Byllesby & Company

Engineers and Managers

Tacoma CHICAGO

Gas Building 208 So. LaSalle Street

Purchase, Finance, Design, Con-
struct and Operate Electric Light,
Gas, Street Railway and Water
Power Properties.

EXAMINATIONS AND REPORTS

Utility Securities Bought and Sold

New York

Trinity Building

May, 1916

appearance a griddle, and which is connected with a plug and
switch on a pole at the. curb. The intermediate connection is
flexible and armored cable about 10 feet long. The warming
plate is lSyi inches square and 1^2 inches thick.

The heater may be run at four different temperatures to suit
the requirements of the weather. Under ordinary circumstances
it can be operated on less current than two 40 watt incandescent
lamps would consume. At no time does the temperature reach
a point where there is danger of burning the soles of the
shoes.

This ingenious device was developed for the City Council
by the Westinghouse Company. Various ideas were discussed

(Courtesy Pittsburgh Industrial Development Commission)
such as stationary sidewalk heaters, and heaters imbedded in
the street pavement, but were abandoned in favor of the port-
able heater described. The cut shows one of the heaters in use
at Sixth Avenue and Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh.

6SOilIcial Public H@ffwi<g© Slejp

The Public Service, Railway and Corporation Commission of
the several States, through the National Association of Railway
Commissioners, with which all the State Commissions are affiliat-
ed, have completed arrangements for the official publication of all
State Commission decisions, under the title "Official Public Serv-
ice Reports," giving it the exclusive advantage of authoritative-
ness. As a result of its official relation to the Commissions,
it will have also the advantages of entire completeness and
promptness of issuance.

It is edited by J. H. Goetz formerly Assistant Counsel of the
New York Public Service Commission for the First District,
and W. H. Bohling, formerly with the Missouri Public Service
Commission. Publication will be by the Law Publishing Com-
pany, with offices at 74 Broadway, New York City.

This system of reports and digests is published in Weekly
Advance Sheets with head-notes and syllabus-digest, and Per-
manent Volumes of about 1,200 pages each, standard law style,
bound in law buckram, paging the same as in Advance Sheets,
with tables of cases and statutes construed, and complete syl-
labus-digest index for each volume

MStarM Faias for

The 1916 Star fan retains all the features that have made this
line so popular in the past. A few of these are efficiency, low
operating cost, pleasing appearance, simplicity, durability and
quietness in operation. These fans are made in 12 and 16-inch
sizes, for direct-current, all voltages, both oscillating and station-
ary types. These fans can also be had with 6 blades if desired.
This enables it to move he necesary quantity, etc., of air at a
lower speed, thus reducing the volume of sound.

All Star fans are made with a ball and socket joint which
allows them to be used either as a desk or bracket fan. Adjust-
ment is obtained by a slight turn of a thumb screw which locks
the joints securely. The mechanism on the oscillating type fan
is of the simplest and most practical design. The patented
slip collar prevents stripping of the gears which are entirely
enclosed in an especially constructed gear case. This eliminates
all possible leakage of oil or grease.

The rheostat in the base is provided to give three different
speeds, 900, 1200 and 1500 r.p.m.

The fact that the oscillating base and gears run continually
in grease greatly minimizes current consumption. On both types
of fan accessibility of the speed regulator is an important point
to take into consideration.

Drawn metal construction and high class finish together with
graceful design make these fans attractive for both home and
office use.

May, 1916

Rotar for Dynamo Electric Machines. — The rotars for dy-
namo electric machines have been cooled by drawing in air
through the core axially and discharging it through a num-
ber of radial passages by centrifugal action. The disadvan-
tage with this arrangement is that the greatest quantities of
air are discharged through the radial passages nearest the ends.
The result is that the ends are most effectively cooled while
there is want of ventilation in the central part of the arma-
ture. In a patent granted April 11, 1916, A. Zehrung and R.

rections of the rotating magnetic field and of the mechanical
driving of the primary member. It will be apparent that upon
the energizing of the winding 16 or 17 the regulator shaft
v/ill be driven in one direction or the other. This arrange-
ment will effect prompt movement of the regulator, but
avoids the jolt of a rigid mechanical connection. Patent No.
1,177,349- ;

Electric-Magnet Switch. — In the usual magnet operated
switch the pick-up and release currents bear a definite re-
lation to each other. It is often desirable to be able to
adjust one of these currents without disturbing the other.
This advantage is secured according to a patent issued to Mr.
Robert H. McLain, of Schenectady, N. Y. Mr. McLain's
invention, is for use on alternating current circuits and in-
volves a bucking coil inductively energized from the usual
lifting coil and also a special form of magnetic plunger. This
particular form of magnetic switch is shown diagramatically

Rudenberg, of Berlin-Wilmersdorf, and Reinhold Rudenberg,
of Berlin-Charlottenburg, Germany, is described a more uni-
form cooling which is provided by separate axial channels
and individual radial discharge openings in the interior of
the machine at different dstances from the ends thereof. The
contsruction is such that air taken into the axial channels
must flow to the radial channels with which they are con-
nected. The construction is clearly shown in the cut. Patent
No. 1,178,771.

Induction Regulator. — In automatic voltage regulation by in-
duction regulators, the movable members of the regulator
must be promptly adjusted in response to the varying condi-
tions. To secure this result a continuously running motor
has been employed which was clutched and unclutched to the
movable member of the regulatior as conditions might re-
quire. While this secures prompt operation of the regu-
lator, there was considerable shock of the parts owing to the
rapid acceleration and inertia of the masses of the parts in-
volved. This objection is overcome by an apparatus describ-
ed in a patent issued to Chester B. Mills, of East McKees-
port, Penn., on March 28th, last. According to Mr. Mills
invention a continuously running motor is employed which
is connected with the movable member of the induction
regulator by induction motor devices, there being one for
each direction of movement of the regulator. The arrange-

ment is shown in the cut wherein the continuously running
motor is indicated at 1 and is geared to drive the primary
members 4 and 5 of the induction motor devices 2 and 3 in
opposite directions. The secondary members 6 and 7 of
these devices are secured on a shaft which drives the regu-
lator shaft 21 in one direction or the other through a worm
9. The windings on the primary members are such as to
produce rotary fields and when one is energized it promptly
drives the shaft 8 in a certain direction and with an accelera-
tion and speed dependent upon the relative speeds and di-

Figure 2

Figure 1

in Fig. 1 in its circuit relations for the purpose of bringing
an auxiliary motor B into action when the motor A is overload-
ed, and is shown in detail in Fig. 2. It will be seen that the
usual lifting coil 11 is in the work circuit of the motor A so
that it closes the switch 12 when the working current ex-
ceeds a certain value. The contacts 16 will then be closed and
will connect the motor B with power and also the switch 14
will be closed completing circuit of the inductive bucking coil
13. As shown in Fig. 2 the core of the magnet C is divided
into two portions 18 and 19 adjustably connected by a screw
20. The current at which the coil will be picked up may be
varied by varying the width of the air gap 22. The inductive
winding 13 is not energized until the core picks up conse-
quently it has no effect on the value of the picking up cur-
rent. On the other hand it has an effect, according to the
adjustment of the rheostate R, upon the amount of current re-
quired in the coil 11 to hold up the core. Patent No. i,i77,_
427.

Variable Rate Meter. — The principle and operation of the
variable or multiple rate meter is well known. In a patent
granted April 4th, 1916, to Mr. Chester I. Hall, Chicago, 111.,
is described a simple and effective device for accomplishing
the desired result. The variable rate mechanism may be
made in the form of an attachment which may be applied
to a standard meter. This attachment comprises a trans-
former supplying the potential coil of the meter and a switch
controlled by the work current. This switch connects the po-
tential coil to line independently of the transformer at one
rate of registration and connects the potential coil through
the transformer for another rate of registration.

:!lf:,;4iSni

©Iit£fi31(e);p

61 IS

A Me^aew ©f

Pole Line Hardware, Catalogue No. DS846, has just been
issued by the Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Com-
pany, of East Pittsburgh, Pa. This publication gives a
complete list of accessories used in pole line construction
with prices and dimensions.

"Thordarson Miniature Electric Power Plant," a leaflet, de-
scribes the electrical toys manufactured by the Thordarson
Electric Mfg. Company of Chicago, 111.

Pipe Welding. An elaborate discussion of the welding of
National pipe, manufactured by the National Tube Co., Pitts-
burgh, Pa., is contained in Bulletin 26 from that company.
Besides a general treatment of the subject of welding, in-
stances are shown of the adaptability of National pipe to
that made of unions and the difficult shapes into which it can
be successfully formed. The most prominent feature is the
welding of gas pipes on the job.

The Elblight Company, of New York City, illustrate some
of the electrical illuminations executed by them in folder en-
titled "The Elblight System of Electrical Decoration."

The Holtzer-Cabot Electric Company, Roxbury, Boston,
Mass., has issued an attractive pamphlet giving a historical
outline of the company's progress during the past forty years,
also describing its new plant.

The National X-Ray Reflector Company, Chicago, 111.,
has issued four new portfolio plates, Plate No. 30 covers in-
direct lighting systems for factories, Plate No. 31, Church-
lighting systems, Plate No. 43, has sketches and photographs
of stage lighting systems without foot lights, and Plate No.
44, artificial daylight systems for art museums.

"Colonial" Copper-Clad Wire is the subject of Bulletin No.
202-1 issued by The Standard Underground Cable Company,
of Pittsburgh, Pa.

The C. & C. Electric & Mfg. Co., of Garwood, New Jersey
has designed and perfected a new line of motors, with ratings
up to 10 h. p. They are bi-polar, commutating pole, semi-
closed and totally enclosed motors, and have been designated
type "IB." Advance bulletin 102-x gives a full description
of these motors and may be had, on request, from the C. & C.
Electric & Mfg. Co.

The Bowlers Manufacturing Company, of Springfield, Ohio,
has issued an illustrated folder which contains information
of its chain-drive boring machine.

"The Schoop Metal Spraying Process" is the title of a
booklet issued by the Metals Coating Company of America,
Boston, Mass. In this booklet is given an outline of the
theory and operation of the process and the spraying pistol,
also the various uses to which the process may be put.

"Transforming for Lighting and Power" is the title of a
leaflet issued by the Adams Bagnall Elec. Co., Cleveland,
Ohio, describing their standard transformers for voltages
from 2200 to 33000, single phase and three phase, also a Con-
stant Current Regulator for Series Mazda lighting.

The Pelton - Westinghouse Waterwheel Generator Sets,
and their applications are very attractively illustrated in an
art circular recently issued jointly by the Pelton Water
Wheel Company of San Francisco, and the Westinghouse
Electric and Mfg. Co., of East Pittsburgh, Pa. The circular
describes some applications in the home and farm and gives
some specific information on the analysis of a proposed
water power company. The circular will be sent on request
to any one interested.

The Hazard Manufacturing Company, of Wilkes Barre,
Pa., has lately issued a publication on Keystone railroad
signal wires and cables. This booklet of sixteen pages de-
scribes the construction of Keystone insulation, and also
gives some information on the distribution of electrical
streets in insulation resistances. It is written in a clear
manner, and is well illustrated with cuts and curve sheets.

Gantz & Leist Electric Company, Cincinnati, O., has issued
a catalog showing their line of low-speed motors and gen-
erators for the deposition of metals.

The Bleadon-Dunn Company, 208 North Fifth Ave., Chi-
cago, III., manufacturer of "Violetta," high-frequency genera-
tors, has prepared a booklet dealing in a clear, understandable
manner with the history of violet-ray high-frequency elec-
tricity for medical purposes. A considerable portion of the
text is devoted to specific instructions for treating various
ailments, illustrations being included wherever possible. The
booklet also contains descriptions and prices of various com-
binations of electrodes for treating the scalp, face, throat,
body, etc. This booklet will be mailed upon request.

Voss Brothers Manufacturing Company, Davenport, Iowa,
has given out an attractive 40-page catalog describing its wash-
ing machines. A number of styles of electrically operated
combination washers and wringers are illustrated. These ma-
chines have a reversible wringer, which may be operated both
by hand-lever and foot treadle-control. The washer and
wringer may be operated independently, and are driven by a
specially designed motor.

The Jefferson Glass Company, main works and general
office, Follansbee, West Virginia, has just issued a very at-
tractive folder on Diamond Twist Prismatic Reflectors. It
seems that reflectors of this character have again come to
the front. They are certainly very attractively treated in the
folder in question. Copy of it will be sent to any subscriber
of this paper who will write direct to the Jefferson Glass
Company, Follansbee, West Virginia, for same.

Storage Batteries for lighting and ignition service are told
about in Catalog No. 2 and "Revivo" storage batteries for
electric lighting in catalog No. 3 issued by the Cook Railway
Signal Company, Denver, Colo.

Storage Battery Parts and Supplies are the subject of the
second edition of Catalog B of the Electric Storage Battery
Company, Philadelphia.

Electric Ranges are also described in a series of leaflets
devoted to the output of the Globe Stove & Range Company,
Kokomo, Ind.

May, 1916

Results of Electricians' Licensing Law in Massachusetts

A law which went into effect September ist, 19 15, requiring
all persons engaging in installing wires, conduits, apparatus,
fixtures or other appliances for using electricity for light, heat
or power in Massachusetts, . to take out licenses, is attracting
much attention in various parts of the country, where sentiment
is crystallizing in favor of procuring similar legislation. Licenses
are issued by a State Board of Examiners and consist of two
classes : A, masters' or employing electrical contractors', and B,
journeymen's.

As at present interpreted, a class B man may take work on
his own account and employ helpers, but must work continu-
ously on the job himself and not employ other journeymen. An
amendment now being considered by the Legislature would pre-
vent journeymen procuring licenses under a provision which
allowed workmen engaged in electrical installation for five years
or more to receive a certificate without examination. It is
claimed by the clerk of the Licensing Board that a large number
of men have received licenses improperly, through representing
themselves to be experienced electricians, when they had done
electrical work incidentally to such occupations as stationary en-
gineering, janitor services, etc.

Up to the present time about 7,000 certificates of both classes
have been issued. A large share of these have been issued under
the clause which exempts experienced men, but examinations are
held from time to time in the various cities of the State, when
new applicants are examined both by written questions and
practical demonstrations. The Board of Examiners are pro-
curing a test board, on which candidates will make connections,
install fixtures, etc., in future examinations.

On the question of inspections, it has been ruled that the local
inspector must inspect any job of wiring offered to him whether
done by a licensed workman or a workman acting without license
illegally, and if the wiring is all right, approve it for use. He
may report the case to the State Gas & Electric Light Com-
mission for action as they may see fit. Any interested person
may enter a complaint to the local court on his own initiative.
An amendment that is being urged would make it obligatory on
"all officers of the law who now have the right to complain of
criminal offenders" to complain of the violations of the licensing
law. In addition, power to prosecute violations would be given
to wire inspectors.

The Gas & Electric Light Commission has adopted an order to
the effect that masters and journeymen electricians shall b«
governed by general and special State law and local ordinances
or by-laws, but in matters not expressly provided therein the
National Electrical Code shall be the authority.

Local inspectors have in many cases notified all local con-
tractors that failure to report work is a violation of the law, and
that such cases will be reported to the State authorities, the
penalty being suspension or revocation of the license.

In conjunction with the new law, there has come about in
Massachusetts a closer community of interest among electrical
contractors. The work of the State Association has been broad-
ened to include the services of a special representative who fol-
lows up reports of infractions of the law and keeps office hours
daily for the convenience of the trade. The electrical workers'
union is in harmony with the new legislation, and is bringing
about a purging of the ranks of unfit workmen, and also gives
a definite credential of competency to holders of B certificates.

The Supreme Court of Indiana in the case of Miller vs.
Southern Indiana Power Company held that a corporation or-
ganized by law to furnish electricity for light and power to
cities and the public in general is entitled to condemn land for
a power site, because the use is a public one and the company
is bound at common law to impartially serve the public.
*♦* *J* *♦*

According to a recent decision of the New York Supreme
Court it is not necessary that an employer's foreman keep watch

on a lineman who has been furnished with rubber gloves for
the handling of live wires, in order to see that he uses such
gloves when engaged in this work.

♦*♦ * ♦>
The Mayfield (Ky.) Water & Light Company, which has been
in receivership, has been restored to its owners by the Circuit
Court. D. B. Stanfield has been elected president and Ed. Gard-
ner general manager of the company.

ij* 4$» <$»

Should the present rate of orders received weekly by the
General Electric Company continue it will have on hand the
largest amount of unfilled orders in its history at the end of
the year. It is stated that it is receiving approximately $3,000,000
worth of orders weekly, which will mean about $150,000,000 at
the close of the year, to which must be added about $20,000,000
contracts which remained unfilled at the close of 1915. Many
of the orders received are for less than $25,000 worth, which
indicate generally prosperous conditions throughout the coun-
try.

♦*♦ ♦£ *#

For the benefit of their foreign patrons the Stow Manu-
facturing Company, of Binghampton, N. Y., have made ar-
rangements with the American Express Company, whereby
orders for their products may be made out to them and
placed through the nearest express office of the American
Express Company in the following cities: London, Liver-
pool, Glasgow, Southampton, Rome, Naples, Genoa, Paris,
Havre, Marseilles, Copenhagen, Rotterdam, Stockholm, Chris-
tiana, Petrograd, Buenos Aires, Manilla, Honkong.
<fa .*■ ' ' 4

A corporation capitalized at $1,000,000, has been organized
in Detroit, Mich. The company will build a car line from
Dearborn to Highland Park with a view of connecting the
Ford plants, the motor car factory in Highland Park and
the tractor factory planned for Dearborn, and to furnish car
service .between the Michigan, Grand River, Hamilton and
Woodward lines. Robert Oakman, Mayor Oscar B. Marx, ■
L. W. Tuller and others are interested in the company.
♦** ■•?♦ &

Application was made by the Cincinnati Gas & Electric
Company and the Union Gas & Electric Company to the Ohio
Public Utilities Commission for authority to issue $15,000,000
of first sinking fund, 5 per cent, bonds to run forty years, and
permission to sell $4,500,000 of these bonds at 95 was also
requested; $4,100,000 to be used for the construction of a new
plant on the river front at the foot of Rose St. and $400,000
for improvements made on the property.
♦fr ♦♦♦ »♦♦

The Bureau of Standards has just issued a series of papers
of the Correlation of the magnetic and mechanical properties
of steel. This paper is a review of the work done in correlat-
ing the magnetic "and mechanical properties of steel. Among
the mechanical properties studied are hardness, toughness,
elasticity, tensile-strength, and resistance to repeated stresses.
This paper may be obtained free on request from the Bureau
of Standards, Washington, D. C.

* * *

JEemtaacDs;^ Hydroelectric and Steam Com-
panies Mawe HfspaS lEIgoMs

Electric utility companies operating in Kentucky and generat-
ing by steam are put on an equal basis with hydroelectric com-
panies in two bills which have passed the lower house of the
Legislature. The more lately developed hydi oelectric com-
panies have enjoyed certain rights on the public roads besides
the right of eminent domain, which the Legislature is now seek-
ing to confer on the steam companies. Similar measures are
before the upper house.

|!l|lll!|!Jli|iii: Ill ^:!iiii|llilllii!|i!!l»llllllllll

J\ ©®iMipa®t® 3Ee©©ff(fl ®il 2iE&]p©srfta2ii4 M<sw§ BMilt£<e<fl fes1 Etoasy Igtesoiteirs

The voters of Sioux Falls, S. D., have turned down a pro-
posal to issue $350,000 bonds for the erection of a municipal
electric plant. , A ♦♦* *♦♦

A $3,000,000 three-year 5 per cent, gold note issue is being
offered by the Union Railway, Gas & Electric Company, New
York; notes are purchasable at 98.5 to yield 5.55, due April 1,
1919. * A ■*■

The city of Birmingham, Ala., has asked the Birmingham
Railway, Light & Power Company to replace all arc lamps
with tungsten lamps.

A A A

V V V

It is reported that the Murfreesboro (Tenn.) Electric
Light & Gas Company has been sold to J. C. Beesley, George
Beesley, J. M. and John Butler for $65,000. The new owners
will reduce the rate to 7 cents per kilowatt-hour.

♦♦* A A

Bids recently submitted for the installation of an electric
lighting system in Choteau, Mont., were rejected, the respec-
tive figures being too high.

* A *
The City Council, of Howe, Okla., has under construction
the installation of a municipal electric light plant and Water
works system, for which purpose it is proposed to float a
$100,000 bond issue.

a ■.., a <$.

The Shirley Electric Co., Shirley, Mass., is erecting fifteen
miles of 22,000-volt, three-phase transmission line. Two sub-
stations are also being built and new equipment installed.

A A A

Permission has been granted the Buffalo General Electric
Co. by the Public Service Commission to issue $3,625,287 in
securities, proceeds to be used for a new steam generating
station now under construction in Tonawanda.

AAA

It is reported that a high-tension transmission line will be
erected by the Central Electric Company of Canton, Ohio, to
Fostoria, Tiffin, Newark and other cities at an estimated
cost of about $2,000,000.

The New York Air Brake Company will construct two
power plants at Watertown, N. Y., one of which will develop
1200 horsepower. The company now secures its power from
the Northwestern New York Utilities Corporation.

A. A A

The Ozark Power & Water Company, which supplies
Springfield and other cities in Southwest Missouri with power
from their hydro-electric plant on White River has improve-
ments under consideration amounting to $300,000.

A A A

The Cupples Station Light, Heat & Power Company, St. Louis,
contemplates increasing its capital and constructing a large gen-
erating plant, which will allow the company to compete success-
fully in the local lighting field.

The Kentucky Public Service Company has placed a $2,000,-
000 mortgage on its properties. This company operates elec-

A A A

trie power plants at Hopkinsville, Owensboro, Bowling Green
and Frankfort in Kentucky and Clarksville, Tenn., and will
also supply Guthrie with energy for light and power.

AAA

Application has been made to the Public Service Commis-

sioners by the A. L. Swett Electric Light & Power Company
of Medina (N. Y.), for permission to issue $700,000 in bonds.

♦ A A

The sale of the municipal electric light plant at Price,
Utah, valued at $50,000, will be made the issue of a special
election to be held May 15.

A A A

The Great Western Power Company will construct a class
A substation 68 by 137 feet on Bush St. and Grant Ave.,
San Francisco, Calif. The estimated cost is $90,000.

AAA

The proposal to offer a $500,000 bond issue for the erec-
tion of a municipal electric-light plant at Dallas, Texas, was
defeated at a recent local election.

AAA

Benjamin Thompson Company has received a contract for
the construction of a combined electric-light and water plant
at Ocala, Fla., for $97,254. The engineers are Twombley &
Henney, of New York City.

AAA

The Iowa Light, Heat & Power Company, of Grinnell,
Iowa, has been incorporated with a capital of $1,000,000.
Lindsey Hooper, president; Manning A. Williams, vice-presi-
dent; Chas. A. Olsen, secretary and treasurer.

AAA

Altorfer Bros. Company has removed its general office
from Roanoke, 111., to Peoria, 111., retaining its factory and

a branch office at the former city.

A A A

The Department of Water Works, Youngstown, Ohio, con-
templates installing two 15,000,000 gallon electrically-driven
centrifugal pumps for filter bed water supply and one 4,000,-
000 gallon pump for water wash, the latter to furnish water
to wash filtering basin.

A A A

The Spencer Electric Light & Power Company, of Belden,
will build a temporary dam at Smyrna on Flat River (Mich.)
to replace the dam washed away at this point on March 29th.
Arrangements are being made to construct a reinforced con-
crete dam. * <* *

Pierce City, Mo., will hereafter purchase its electric light
from the Ozark Power & Water Company and will sell its
municipal plant which it has been operating since 1902.

A A A

An interurban trolly line will be built from Tampa (Fla.) to
Lakeland by way of Plant City by Western capitalists. The
new venture will involve an investment of $1,000,000.

AAA

The municipal electric plant at Watervliet, N. Y., will prob-
ably be closed down and the lighting of the streets and pub-
lic buildings of the city will be contracted for with a private
corporation. A A A

The General Electric Company, Wilmington, Del., has re-
ceived a contract from the National Properties Company,
New York City, for an additional turbo-generating unit, with
boilers, etc., to be installed at the Wilmington & Philadel-
phia Traction Company's plant, which will increase the lat-
ter's output 50 per cent.

A A A

The General Public Service Corporation, of Philadelphia,
Pa., which will conduct a general lighting business, has been

May, i 916

incorporated with a capital stock of $100,000, by William
White, William A. Welsh, of Philadelphia, Pa., and R. R.
Kenney, of Dover, Del.

♦♦♦ *♦♦ ♦♦<•

The Choctaw Railway & Lighting Company, M'Alester,
Okla., has been purchased by C. M. Mason, chairman of the
bondholders' protective committee, of New York, for $450,-
000. The installation of new machinery and other improve-
ments are contemplated.

♦> ♦♦♦ ♦♦♦

It is reported that the Edison Electric Illuminating Co.,
Cumberland, Md., will continue the high power transmission
system from Lonaconing, Md., the present terminus, through
George's Creek Valley to Piedmont, W. Va., to supply elec-
tricity to mines and towns along the route.

♦ * ♦

The City of San Francisco and the electric light, power,
telegraph and telephone companies, also other corporations
that maintain poles and overhead wires in San Francisco,
contemplate a joint pole agreement. At present each company
has its own poles. *♦* ♦* *♦*

The Public Lighting Committee of Minneapolis, Minn., is
contemplating replacing 530 gas lamps with electric lights.
There has been a material decrease in the number of lamp-
lighters in that city in recent years, there now being only 40
men who light gas lamps for a living against 100 men eight
years ago, due to the replacing of gas with electric lights.

* ♦ *

The construction of an electrolytic plant in Spokane,
Wash., for the treatment of zinc ores is planned by the Con-
stitution Mining & Milling Company. The proposed plant
will use about 6,000 h. p. and is capable of handling 100 tons
a day. The estimated cost of the plant is $425,000.

Application has been made to the Public Service Commis-
sion of Rochester, N. Y., by the Rochester Railway & Light
Company for permission to consolidate the properties of the
Canandaigua Gas Light Company, the Eastern Monroe Light
& Gas Company and the Dispatch Heat, Light & Gas Co.,
and for approval to take over the holdings of the Ontario
Light and Traction Company, except its railroad physical
properties. *r' * *

The Cumberland County Power & Light Company will erect
a 20,000-hp. hydroelectric station at Hiram Falls, on the Saco
River, Maine, with a generating station on the Baldwin side of
the river, from which power will be supplied to Portland and
other centers on the Cumberland company's system. An initial
expenditure of approximately $500,000 will be used for the con-
struction of a dam, station building and for machinery aggre-
gating 6,000 hp. in capacity. A 66-ft. head will be developed.

♦ ♦ ♦

The lighting franchise recently approved by the voters of
Dallas, Texas, provides that at least $1,000,000 shall be ex-
pended in extension and improvements of the Dallas light-
ing system within the next 18 months, the system to be
capitalized at $3,485,964. The traction franchise passed at the
same time provides for a similar amount to be used within
the same time for extensions and improvements of the four
street railways in Dallas, which have been combined with a
capitalization of $4,790,124.

* * *

The following changes in branch office location is announc-
ed by the Standard Underground Cable Co. Their Chicago
office, formerly located in The Rookery, has moved to the
Conway Building. The Detroit office has moved from the
Free Press Building to the Whitney Building. The Portland
(Ore.) office has been discontinued and a new office opened
in the Newhouse Building, Salt Lake City, in charge of
F. W. Wilson. An office will also be opened in Minneapolis,
Minn , in charge of W. J. Weld.

The United States Geological Survey will investigate the water

power possibilities in the southeastern part of Alaska in the very

near future in addition to studying the mineral conditions and

work in connection with the Government railroad in that country.

^ ♦$► ♦£

What is known as the "church power plant" in Salt Lake
City, Utah, has been purchased from the Mormon Church
by the Utah Power & Light Company. This plant supplies
the electricity for the Temple Block, the Hotel Utah, Desert
News Building and several business blocks.
►♦♦ ♦»♦ *$.

With net earnings of $2,866,634 in I9I5 as against $2,364,-
370 in 1914 the Northern States Power Company showed an
increase of 21.2 per cent. The properties controlled by this
concern now serves upward of 100 municipalities in Minne-
sota, North and South Dakota, Wisconsin and Illinois.
■*$•■ *+■* *$t

The connection of the Red River Power Company's system,
Grand Forks, N. D., with the Electrical Development Company's
water power at Crookston, Minn., has been completed.

The Red River Power Company, which owns the transmission
line, will purchase its power from the Electrical Development
Company.

4. <$• <$>

The contract for furnishing small electric lamps for street
lighting in Bridgeport, Conn., has been awarded to the
United Illuminating Company of that city. These lamps
were formerly furnished by the American Street Lighting
Company, of Baltimore. The extension of ornamental street
lamps from State St. to Gilbert St. is being contemplated

*$•■ ■■$* ••?*
The power plants at Bridgeton, Wenonah, Woodbury, Pit-
man, Glassboro, Salem and Pennsgrove, in the southern part
of New Jersey have been taken over by the International
Electric Light, Heat & Power Company, of Philadelphia, Pa.
These plants were formerly controlled by the American Rail-
ways Company. B. Frank Hires, of the Bridgeton plant has
become general manager for the South Jersey Division.

*$► ^ ■•$►

The Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company
has received contracts for record size machine during the
past six months, consisting of turbo-generator sets of about
45,000-hp. capacity, 60,000-hp. and 73,000-hp. capacity, also
8;000-hp., 12,000-hp. and 15,000-hp. motors. It is further re-
ported that the company is now designing a turbo-generator
which will exceed any of the above in size.
♦** ♦♦♦ »♦♦

For the twelve months ended February 29th, 1916, the gross
earnings of the Cities Service Company amounted to $5,002,-
685.60 which is an increase of $1,060,086 or 27 per cent, over
the same period of the previous year. After providing for
all expenses and-ihe interest on the 7 per cent, notes, the bal
ance available for payment of preferred dividends was 2.63
times the requirements for these dividends. After providing
for the preferred dividends the balance available for the com-
mon stock was equivalent to 17.54 per cent.
♦ ♦ ♦♦♦

The annual report of the Standard Gas & Electric Company
shows gross earnings of $1,618,467 in 1915 against $1,475,029
in 1914, and net earnings of $1,575,441 in 1915 against $1,435,-
418 in 1914. Earnings amounted to 6.3 per cent, on the pre-
ferred stock, after the payment of fixed charges, upon which
dividends were paid at the rate of 4 per cent., leaving a sur-
plus for the year of $270,979. President Byllesby reported
that the company has made substantial progress during the
year, while at the same time permitting subsidiaries to re-
invest $1,322,792 in the properties through depreciation re-
serves and undistributed surplus.

May, 1916

Peri

Mr. C. E. Robertson, formerly commercial manager of the
Consolidated Gas, Electric Light and Power Company, Baltimore,
Md., has been appointed sales manager of the General Vehicle
Company, Inc. Mr. Robertson is an expert sales director with
exceptional executive capacity and broad experience, and is now

C. E. Roberston

actively engaged in directing the distribution of the vehicles
produced by the General Vehicle Company. This company is
expanding its sales organization and making great plans to in-
crease both its electric and gasoline vehicle productions. Its
general sales policy has not been changed, but it will be repre-
sented more generally and agencies established in a large num-
ber of the commercial centers.

♦ ♦♦♦ ♦!♦

Mr. Sydney N. Baruch, chief electrical engineer of the
Baruch Electric Controller Corporation, of San Francisco, an
authority on thermo protection of electrical apparatus and thermo
electrostatic protection of cables, delivered a lecture on these
subjects April 18, at the University of California, Berkeley.

Dossert & Co., New York, manufacturers of "Solderless Con-
nectors" will be represented at the N. E. L. A. convention in
Chicago this month by Mr. H. B. Logan, president of the com-
pany.. He will make his headquarters at the Congress Hotel.

$. 4$> 4$)

Mr. H. G. Stott, superintendent of motor power of the In-
terborough Rapid Transit Co., New York, has been retained as
consulting engineer in connection with the large steam plant
which the Buffalo General Electric Co. is building to supplement
its hydro-electric energy from Niagara Falls. This new plant
will embody many advanced features, including a steam pressure
of 275 lbs. and an exceptionally high boiler rating..

♦ <* *

Mr. A. D. Fishel has been appointed commercial manager of
the Adams-Bagnell Electric Company, Cleveland. He formerly
had charge of the Distributor Transformer Section of the Supply
Department of the Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing
Company.

Mr. James B. Olsen, sales manager for the Habirshaw Wire
Company for eighteen years, has been appointed general sales
manager of the Habirshaw Electric Cable Company recently
formed by the consolidation of the Habirshaw Wire Company,
the Electric Cable Company and the Waterbury Company.
>;•» v *&

Mr. Cyrus S. Eaton, president of the Continental Gas &
Electric Corporation, recently became a member of the banking
firm of Otis & Co., Cleveland, Ohio, which firm has several
branches throughout the States.

Recently the firm of Deuth & Co., New York, has been
completely reorganized under the name of Deuth & Comp-
any, Incorporated, and a large amount of additional capital
secured.

The officers of the new organization are: President, Eu-
gene J. Deuth, who was president of the company; sec-
retary and treasurer, W. Dunbar McElhinny, who is also
treasurer of the Equitable Building in New York City.

The directors of the new company are: George H. Dirkes,
connected with the Equitable Building; Charles Le Barbier,
formerly Assistant District Attorney of New York County;
E. J. Deuth and W. D. McElhinny.

The company manufactures and
imports incandescent lamps on a very
large scale, having secured the out-
put of two of the largest lamp fac-
tories in the country in addition to
its own. The main offices and sales-
rooms occupy the entire eleventh
floor of the Fifth National Bank
Building, 131-133 East 23rd Street,
New York City, and agencies are
being established throughout the
United States. Two large ware-
houses are maintained in New York
City, in which a minimum stock of
200,000 lamps is kept. A number of

supply stations have also been established in other cities, each
carrying large stocks.

The sales force is headed by Mr. E. R. May, assisted by
Mr. Thomas Magiff. At the present time there are about
twenty salesmen in New York City and surrounding territory.

According to tentative plans, the city of Portland, Oregon,
will install an electric lighting system. It is proposed to
construct a hydro electric generating station on Bull Run
River, in connection with an impounding dam which will
soon be necessary for the conservation of the city's water
supply. Approximately 4,000 hp. can be developed at a
cost of $200,000.

E. J. Deuth

Dr. Eric Gerard, director of the Montefiore Electrotechnica)
Institute at Liege, Belgium, and professor at the University oi
Liege, died in Paris, France, on March 27th. Dr. Gerard was
one of the most prominent professors of electrical engineering
in the world. He was born in Liege in 1856 and graduated
from the School of Mines in that city in 1878, afterward going
to Paris to complete his studies. He later occupied several po-
sitions in the School of Mines at Liege and in 1883 was made
director of the Montefiore Electrotechnical Institute in that
city, where he taught for thirty years. He represented Belgium
at the International Electrical Congress of Chicago in 1893 and
of Paris in 1900 and was also president of the Belgian Com-
mittee of the International Electrotechnical Commission. He
was a very able writer, confining himself to technical subjects,
and his "Lessons on Electricity in Magnetism" have been trans-
lated into many languages. He will be mourned by many friends
in this country as well as in Europe.

*fr *f» 4»
Mr. Charles Fowler Baldwin, of Montclair, N. J., died in
Pittsburgh, Pa., April 9th, aged 41 years.. Mr. Baldwin was
associated with the Western Electric Company for nineteen
years, and served as chief engineer for that company in Ant-
werp and London.

May, 1916

Mr. William H. Capel, secretary of the New England Westing-
house Company, and the J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company, of
Springfield, Mass., died suddenly on Sunday, April 23rd just
after he had entered his automobile on his way home from
church. The cause of his death was a cerebral hemorrhage.

Mr. Capel was born in New York City March 8th, 1867, and
married Marie B. Bischoff March 4th, 1900. In April, 1899, he
entered the employ of the Westinghouse Electric & Mfg. Com-
pany, holding several positions in the executive offices of this
company in New York City, having been for several years past
closely associated with Vice-President L. A. Osborne. On June
2, 1915, he was elected secretary of the above mentioned com-
panies.

His geniality, generosity and wide sympathy won for him the
esteem of everyone who came in contact with him.

Mr. Capel is survived by his wife and daughter.
, ♦♦* ♦+♦ ♦+♦

Dr. C. J. Woodbury died in Lynn, Mass., on March 20th. In
his earlier years he made exhaustive studies of electric lighting,
lubricating oils and measures for fire prevention, at which time
he made regular contributions on these subjects to the journal
issued by the National Electric Light Association. From 1894
until 1907 he was assistant engineer of the Bell Telephone
Company. He received the John Scott medal for the prepara-
tion of insurance rules on electric lighting. He was born in
Lynn in 1851 and graduated from the Massachusetts Institute
of Technology in 1873. At the time of his death he held hon-
orary degrees from Tufts, Union and Dartmouth colleges.

The fourth annual meeting of the Society for Electrical De-
velopment was held in the Engineer Societies Building, New
York City, on May 9th.

>** .;♦ 4.

The Missouri Association of Public Utilities will be held
May 11-13 on board boat leaving St. Louis May 11. Secretary
F. D. Beardslee, 315 No. Twelfth St., St. Louis, Mo.
*** *$** *fa

The sixth annual meeting of the Electric Power Club was
held at Hot Springs, Va., on May 1, 2, 3 and 4, at the Home-
stead Hotel. Chas. Robbins read a paper on "Motor Ratings"
on May 1st.

* * f

Mr. C. A. Call, lately connected with the Advertising Depart-
ment of the General Electric Company has been appointed man-
ager of publicity for the Terry Steam Turbine Co., Hartford,
Conn.

Mr. W. H. Wood has transferred his services from the Ameri-
can Writing Co., Holyoke, Mass., as manager of the steam boil-
er plants, to the Electrical Department of the Baltimore & Ohio
Railroad, having been appointed superintendent of power plants,
with headquarters at Baltimore.

* ♦ ♦

The following officers were elected at the recently formed
organization of the State of Washington Electrical Contractors
and Dealers: President, W. H. Byers, of Nepage, McKenny &
Company; vice-president, S. M. Jones, of John A. Roeblings
Sons Company, and secretary-treasurer, Roy Worth, of the Pac-
ific States Electric Company.

The annual meeting of the National Association of Manufac-
turers will be held on May 15, 16 and 17 at the Hotel Waldorf-
Astoria, New York City. Local industrial conditions will be
discussed in fifteen minute talks and export trade will be fea-
tured in an elaborate round-table discussion.
♦ ♦ ^

The annual meeting of the Electrical Contractors of Texas
will be held in Galveston on May 17 and 18.

The Southwestern Electrical and Gas Association will hold
its annual convention at Galveston, Texas, May 17-20. Secretary
H. S. Cooper, 405 Slaughter Building, Dallas, Texas.

V V V

The twenty-first annual convention of the International Asso-
ciation of Municipal Electricians will be held at Baltimore, Md.,
August 22 to 25. W. J. Canada, of the Bureau of Stands will
represent the government. Dr. Charles P. Steinmetz will deliver
an address.

. The, Electrical Dealers' and Contractors' Association of On-
tario, Canada, will hold its second annual convention at To-
ronto, on June 5, 6 and 7th.

*♦* *£ »*♦

The membership of the Cleveland (Ohio) Electrical League
now numbers 1200, 702 names having been added in the recent
membership campaign.

*> »»* **♦'

"General Problems of Illumination Design" was the title of
an address given by Dr. Charles P. Steinmetz on April 6th be-
fore the New York Section of the Illuminating Engineering
Society.

♦ »** ♦

The annual convention of the Arkansas Association of Public
Utility Operators will take place June 6-8 at Little Rock, Ark.

>♦♦ »♦<. ♦?♦

National Electrical Contractors' Association of the United
States will hold its annual convention at the Hotel McAlpin,
New York City, July 18 to 22. G. H. Duffield, secretary, 41
Martin Building, Utica, N. Y.

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M^lilfl^^l

Alabama

Birmingham. — The construction of a municipal electric
light plant is contemplated, for which purpose the City will
vote June 5th on $500,000 bonds.

Birmingham. — The Birmingham Interurban Development
Company recently capitalized with $5,000 will build an elec-
tric railroad from Birmingham to the Warrior River and
Jasper by way of Dora and Cordova. W. W. Shortridge,
secretary.

Decatur. — City will construct an electric light plant and will
vote on $50,000 bond issue; plant to cost $28,000, wiring, etc.,
about $16,000.

Opelika. — The construction of a power-transmission system
from the Goat Island hydro-electric plant to Opelika, 22 mi.,
is contemplated by the Columbus - Power Co., of Columbus,
Ga. ; estimated cost $80,000 to $90,000.
Arkansas

Bentonville. — City is having plans drawn for electric-light
plant to cost approximately $20,000.

Mountain Home. — The installation of a large plant is
planned by the Mountain Home Electric Light Co., who an-
ticipate supplying Cotter, 12 miles distant, and other towns
with electrical service.

Tuckerman. — The installation of an electric light plant is
being planned by the Citizens' Light & Power Company.

Warren. — The installation of an electric-light plant in War-
ren is under contemplation. L. J. Burbridge is interested.
Arizona

Shumway. — R. C. Smith is contemplating the installation of
an electric plant to supply electricity in the towns of Snow-
flake, Taylor and Shumway.

Tucson. — The construction of a central power and heat-
ing plant at the School of Mines, University of Arizona, is be-
ing planned. The estimated cost, including equipment, is
$95,000. R. S. King, Supt. of Construction.

California

Fontana. — It is reported that the Fontana Power Company,
recently capitalized at $350,000, will develop a water power
in the mountains to supply power in the Fontana district and
adjacent territory.

Los Angeles. — A municipal electric distributing plant will
be erected at St. John and Holly Streets; estimated cost
$60,000. Frederick L. Roehrig, architect.

San Pedro. — The installation of ornamental street lights on
Sixth St. between Beacon and Pacific Avenues is being
planned; a lamp every 120 feet and four lamps at each street
intersection. Florida

Cocoanut Grove. — The Cocoanut Grove Public Utilities'
Company, recently capitalized at $25,000, are planning the
installation of an electric plant.

Lake Hamilton. — The Electric Co., E. C. Stuart, president,
Bartow, Fla., has obtained franchise to build an electric light
system.

Miami. — The Miami Traction Company is contemplating
extending its lines. B. B. Tatum is president of the company.

Port St. Joe. — It is reported that plans are under considera-
tion for equipping the Apalachicola Northern Railroad for
electrical operation. Illinois

Bloomington. — The Bloomington & Normal Railway &
Light Company will erect a 33,ooo-volt transmission line
from Lexington to Chenoa, a distance of about nine miles
construct a substation in Lexington and rebuild the distribu-
tion in that village, to operate at 2,300 volts.

Dixon. — The Illinois Northern Utilities Company, of Dix-

on, is planning to install a 1,000-kw. turbine, 200 5-kw and
100 3-kw. 2300 — 220 — no-volt transformers; 12 50-kw., 12
25-kw., 6 10-kw. and 6 5-kw., 13,200 — 2300-volt transformers
and 1500 5-amp. meters and also 500 electric ranges.

Rockford. — The Rockford Electric Company contemplates
installing a 6250-kw. turbo-generator set, a 1000-kw. motor-
generator set, boilers having a combined rating of 1000 hp. ;
and have also under advisement additions to water-softening
plant and extensions to distributing system.
Indiana

Peru. — The City Council are considering plans to extend
the electrical service of the municipal-light plant to Bunker
Hill.

Richmond. — Bids will be called for on an ornamental
lighting system for Main Street. The cost will be approxi-
mately $11,000.

Rochester. — The Rochester Light, Heat & Power Co. con-
templates the erection of a 4,600-volt single-phase transmis-
sion line to Fulton, a distance of six miles, using No. 6 bare
copper wire. Chas. A. Davis, Supt.

Iowa

Bloomfield. — Two 150-hp. or three 100-hp. boilers will prob-
ably be installed in the municipal electric light plant this
summer. R. C. Bristow City Treasurer.

Guttenberg. — The Hope Electric Light Company is contem-
plating the installation of a new 100-hp. boiler soon. Edmund
F. .Williams is manager.

Maquoketa. — The Maquoketa Light & Power Company has
under advisement the installation of a feed water heater,
stokers, a 100-kw. generator and engine, directly connected,
and lightning arresters.

Perry. — The Iowa Railway & Light Company, who own the
local electric light and heating plant will construct a new
power plant here at an estimated cost of $100,000. .The power
generated will also be transmitted over high tension lines to
Rippey, Grand Junction, Dana, Paton, Bouton, Woodward,
Coon Rapids and possibly other towns.

Kansas

Harveyville. — The B. B. Fegan Company, of Junction City,
has obtained a franchise to install an electric light plant
here.

Kansas City. — It has been decided to extend the electric
lighting 'system into the residential section not now served
with electricity, for which purpose it is proposed to transfer
$20,000 of the earnings to the extension fund.

Preston. — The issuing of $15,000 bonds has been authoriz-
ed for the erection of an electric light plant.

Roseville. — A franchise has been granted to the B. B.
Fegan Company of Junction City, to install an electric light
plant here.

Yates Center. — The erection of a municipal electric-light
plant and water-works system is being contemplated, for
which purpose a bond issue of $70,000 will be voted on.

Kentucky

Cynthiana. — The construction of a municipal electric-light
plant is under consideration. Address the mayor.

Horse Cave. — The Horse Cave Light & Ice Company has been
incorporated with a capital of $25,000 being an amalgamation
of the Horse Cave Light Company and the Horse Cave Ice Com-
pany.

Lexington. — City is considering plans to install electric-light
plant. J. W. Guyn, city engr.

Kuttawa. — The Cumberland Electric Co. has been incorporated

May, 1916

with a capital stock of $3,500 by B. W. Doom, M.J. Beard, D. A.
Doom and W. M. Beam.

Louisiana

Glenmora. — An electric light plant will be built here at an
approximate cost of $12,000 by S. Farmbacker, of Baton Rouge,
L. Livy and P. Joseph, who recently organized into a company.

West Monroe. — A proposal to issue $45,000 in bonds to im-
prove and make extensions to electric-lighting system, water-
works, install filter plant and additional apparatus for fire pro-
tection will be submitted at an election on May 18th.
Maryland

Belair. — The Belair Electric Company is planning the con-
struction of an 11-mile, 3-phase transmission system.

St. Michaels. — A municipal electric-light and power plant will
be erected here in the near future. Address the mayor.
Massachusetts

Plymouth. — The Plymouth Electric Light Company will erect
a three-phase, 22,000-volt transmission line to Middleboro, a
distance of twelve miles. Bids are invited for the material re-
quired. E. P. Rowell is manager.

Worcester. — The Worcester Electric Light Company is con-
templating extensive improvements, including additions to build-
ing, installation of a Westinghouse 20,000-kw., 13,200-volt tur-
bine extensions to ornamental lighting system (175 6.6-amp.
magnetic arc lamps) and additions to the 13,200-volt under-
ground cable transmission system. F. H. Smith is assistant man-
ager.

Minnesota

Hartland. — A bond issue has been authorized for the construc-
tion of a municipal electric lighting plant.

St. Paul. — The West Thomas Street Improvement Association
is planning a new electric lighting system. J. P. Garvey, 1230
Thomas St. is president.

Mississippi

Baldwyn. — City recently voted $10,000 bonds for electric-light
improvements and water works system.

Goodman. — Plans for the construction of a municipal electric
light plant to cost about $5,000, are being prepared by Xavier A.
Kramer, consulting engineer, of Magnolia.
Nebraska

Bancroft. — Bonds will be issued for the erection of a munici-
pal electric-light plant.

Kearney. — Permission has been granted to the Kearney Water
& Electric Power Company by the State Railway Commission to
issue $200,000 in bonds.

Omaha. — Elevators will be installed in the City Hall at an
estimated cost of $28,200. Address City Clerk.

Trenton. — A municipal electric-lighting plant will be construct-
ed, for which $8,500 bonds have been authorized.
New Jersey

Bayonne. — A committee has been appointed to obtain data for
a private electric power plant to supply electricity for the pro-
posed new street lighting system to be erected along Broadway.
N. J. Steinberg, K. D. Brown, Frank Davis and Charles Grotsky
are members of the committee.

Dover. — The Morris County Traction Company, of Morris-
town, contemplates installing a new rotary transformer equip-
ment in its substation near Dover.

Jersey City. — The installation of a new street lighting system
along Grove St. is being planned.

Long Branch. — The business section of this city is to have a
new street lighting system. Ornamental standards carrying single
lamps or three-lamp clusters will be used.

Trenton. — The Trenton Water Power Company have prepared
plans for the construction of a hydroelectric power plant on
the Assunpink Creek.

New York

Batavia. — Plans are being prepared for the rearrangements of
the municipal electric-lighting plant by Chester & Fleming, of
Pittsburgh, Pa.

East Aurora. — The installation of a new electric street lighting
system is contemplated. Address Mayor Brotherhood.

Fulton. — The Fulton Light, Heat & Power Company has
been granted permission by the Public Service Commission to
issue $49,000 in capital stock for improvements and extensions
to its power plant and distributing system.

Lewiston. — The Sanborn-Pekin Electric Power Company will
erect an electric lighting system here.

Rochester. — A new street lighting system on Main St. East
to University Avenue is being planned.
North Carolina

High Point. — City contemplates installing electric generating
plant. Address the mayor.

University.— J. B. McCrary Co., Engrs., Atlanta, Ga., will re-
ceive bids in June for lighting and heating plant for the Univer-
sity of North Carolina; approximate cost $50,000.

Raleigh. — A White Way at an estimated cost of $34,000 will
be constructed by the city ; magnetic arc type lamps on i-light
standars will be installed, also ornamental luminous arcs, 500-
candle power, at 25-ft. radius. Jos. E. Pogue, chairman of
White Way. North Dakota

Forest City. — It is reported that an electric-lighting system
will be installed here at an approximate cost of $10,000. A. B.
Field, I. W. Poole and others are interested.

New Rockford. — The installation of a municipal lighting plant
is under consideration. Ohio

Columbus. — The Columbus Railway, Light & Power Company
announces that it will build a $375,000 power plant near the
' Scioto River.

Dayton. — The Dayton Power & Light Company contemplates
issuing $1,250,000 in bonds to be used for a new electric power
plant and improvements to its present system.

Dayton. — The construction of a new power plant is contem-
plated by the Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton Railway Com-
pany, which, together with the cost of other improvements, will
involVe an estimated expenditure of from $50,000 to $75,000.

Deshler. — The installation of a municipal electric light plant
and water works system is under consideration.

Kent. — Plans are being prepared for the erection of a munici-
pal electric light plant.

Reading. — Bids are invited for the completion of the new pub-
lic school. Separate bids to be submitted for the different branch-
es of the work, including the electrical work. Awards will be
made on May 22. Plans and specifications are on file at the of-
fice of the architects, Garber & Woodward, Cincinnati.

Sidney. — The installation of a municipal electric lighting plant
is contemplated.

Youngstown. — The Youngstown & Niles Railroad Company
has made application to the State Utilities Commission for per-
mission to issue $100,500 in capital stock, the proceeds of which
are to be used for the construction of an electric railway be-
tween Youngstown and Warren.

Oklahoma

Howe. — The construction of a municipal electric-light plant
and water-works is under consideration, for which purpose the
city will vote $100,000 bonds.

Kusa. — Kusa Ice, Light & Power Co. has secured ai tides of
incorporation, capital $25,000, John G. Goshorn, of Henrietta,
Okla. ; Dan F. Servey, of Iola, Kans., and Roscoe G. Clark,
of Kansas City, Mo., being the incorporators.

New Wilson.^ — For an electric-light plant and water-works
construction the city will issue $25,000 bonds.

Verden. — The Chickasha Gas & Electric Co., Chickasba ob-
tained franchise to supply electric lighting and will construct 3-
phase, 6600-v'olt transmission line from Chickasha to Verdin.
Oregon

Baker. — It is reported that an electric railway from Pine, |5
miles long, and from Baker to Eagle Valley, approximately 75
miles, will be constructed. Alex. Allerdyce is interested.

Grant's Pass. — The construction of a hydro-electric generating
plant on Fiddler's Gulch in the Kirby district, near Grant's Pass
is under consideration. William H. Swalwell, of Everett, Wash.

May, 1916

Pennsylvania

Millersburg. — Farley Gannett, consulting engineer, Harrisburg,
has purchased the Millersburg Electric Light, Heat & Power
Company. He will enlarge and improve the plant.

Marcus Hook. — The construction of a municipal electric light
plant is being considered.

New Castle. — Contract for the construction of a new sub-
station here has been awarded to the Stone & Webster Engi-
neering Corporation, Boston, Mass., by the Mahoning & Shenan-
go Railway & Light Company. Estimated cost of substation
$150,000.

New Brighton. — A new street lighting system for the borough
is contemplated. H. C. Swoboda, consulting engineer, Empire
Building, Pittsburgh, has been engaged to prepare plans.

South Carolina

Ninety- Six. — A municipal electric-light plant will be erected,
for which purpose city recently voted $15,000 bonds. W. W.
Gaines, mayor.

Saluda. — The Saluda Public Service Corporation has been cap-
italized with $25,000, the incorporators being T. D. Fulmer and
E. W. Abele. They will build an electric-light and power
plant.

Summerton. — Plans are being made for the construction of a
municipal electric light plant to replace the one burned some
time ago.

South Dakota

Clark. — The erection of a municipal electric-lighting plant is
under consideration by the City Council.

Java. — A municipal electric-lighting system will be erected, for
which bonds have been voted.

Texas

Barstow. — An electric light plant will be installed by the Bar-
stow Public Service Company ; 100 hp. Tri-State Engineering
Co., El Paso, Tex. engineer.

Lockhart. — An electric-light system, water works and ice plant
will be constructed by the Citizens' Water, Light & Power Co.
100 kw. electric generating plant will be installed. Henry E.
Elrod, Cons. Engr., 907 Southwestern Life Bldg., Dallas.

San Diego. — The San Diego Electric Co. has been organized
to build an electric light plant. A site has already been pur-
chased.

Shiner. — A municipal electric-light plant will be erected or
purchased here, for which $12,000 bonds have been voted.

Stockdale. — An electric-light plant will be installed here by
G. A. Burris.

Victoria. — The construction of a municipal electric-light plant
is under consideration. Address the mayor.

Virginia

Mineral. — The installation of a municipal electric-light plant
and water-works system is under consideration.

Richmond. — A $50,000 bond issue is contemplated for the erec-
tion of a municipal electric-light plant.
West Virginia

Mount Hope. — Application has been made for franchise to in-
stall an electric-light system by the Mount Hope Electric Power
& Water Company.

Wheeling. — Extensions and improvements to the city lighting
system are being planned.

Wisconsin

Lomira. — The power plant of the Lomira Electric Light &
Power Company will be remodeled and a new generating equip-
ment installed.

Ogema.— The installation of a municipal electric lighting sys-
tem is under consideration.

Racine. — The Milwaukee Electric Railway & Light Company
contemplates the erection of a boiler house, three stories high,
on Lake Avenue and will install three boilers.

to Dry Storage BalW

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May, 1916

Central Station
Power Service

AN adequate power supply is a

£\ valuable asset to any com-

■^ • munity, but it should not

only be adequate — it must also be

reliable and economical.

That these three essentials are
characteristic of Philadelphia Elec-
tric Service is evidenced by the fact
that three cf Philadelphia's public
utilities use our service; that the
Baldwin Locomotive Works ; the Midvale
Steel and Ordnance Company; the Ameri-
can Viscose Company; the Wm. Cramp
and Sons Ship and Engine Building
Company: the Girard Point Grain Stor-
age Company all use our service for a
total of over 60,000 kilowatts.

This explains why so many prominent
manufacturing establishments in this
territory have ceased to operate their
own power plants and have contracted
for our service, and also why so many
outside manufacturers have located in
Philadelphia.

. : ':*S*3&^y*g&i

2&PH1LADELPHIA |( %$ ELECTRIC (OMPAN Y

*mm*MMimimWKHmW*

Technical Journal Company, Inc., New York

Vol. 48

JUNE, 1916

No. 6

ijlil(i@ii:ijd(gsi3

S^i!iiiip)Si(iiiLS ®{j

If we compare the present-day hotel with its prede-
cessor of fifty years ago, we shall find, on going behind
the mere externals of modern grandeur that the needs
of our grandfathers for food and shelter were met al-
most as well as are our own. The chief improvement
has been in those little niceties of service which are so
well and unobtrusively done that they usually escape
our attention. When we remember that these refine-
ments have been added in the fact of constantly in-
creasing difficulties of supervision, the result is all the
more remarkable. The hotel which cares
for 200 guests has been superseded by one
which houses 2,000; the
number of servants increas-
es tenfold, and the distances
also increase proportionally.
"Service" requires quick
communication and trans-
portation, and that means
• "do it electrically."

The William Penn Hotel,
in Pittsburgh, is one of the
very best examples of the
use of electricity in hotel
service. The new hotel oc-
cupies a plot of ground 216
by 129 feet, being the block
on William Penn Place from
Sixth Avenue to Oliver Ave-
nue. There are 24 floor
levels from the second
sub-basement to the
machinery room on the
nineteenth floor. Every-
where from the sump-
pump fifty feet below,
to the electric sign 250

feet above the sidewalk, the electrical way predom-
inates.

To central station men the hotel's power and heat
supply is of much interest. On account of the large
amount of steam required in hotel service an isolated
plant has been the usual source. After careful study
arrangements were made with the Duquesne Light
Company and its subsidiary, the Allegheny County
Steam Heating Company, whereby these two corpora-
tion leased quarters in the basement of the hotel. This
space, which has no communicating pas-
sages to the hotel, contains four 600 h. p.
boilers which burn natural
gas, but also are equipped
for burning coal. There is
also an electric substation
which includes three 250 kw.
single phase transformers,
11,000 to 220 volt three-wire
for lighting and three 250
kw. single-phase transform-
ers, 11,000 to 2,200 volts,
through which power is de-
livered to one or more of
three 200 kw. motor-genera-
tor sets which deliver direct
current at 220 volts three-
wire for motors. The bus-
bar and switch structures
are built of concrete and as-
bestos lumber; their design
presented a difficult
problem as the space
available was small.
While the substation
serves only the ho-
tel at present, addi-

ELECTRICAL AGE

June, 19 16

tional apparatus will soon be placed to care for a
number of adjacent buildings.

As will be seen from the picture of the hotel, the
floor plan above the nominal "first floor" is like the
letter "E." From the house switchboard lighting and
power feeders ascend two wire shafts located in the
two wings. From the panel boxes on each floor con-
duits take the wires to the outlets. In the machine
room in the second sub-basement there are, in addi-
tion to the main switchboard, pumps for water, vac-
cuum-cleaning and refrigeration.

The first sub - basement contains locker - rooms
and servants' dressing rooms. In the basement, which
is but a few feet below the level of the William Penn
way sidewalk are the bar, the mens' lounge and the

A Glimpse of the Main Lobby

cafe. These are finished in the oak and brown leather
of the Elizabethan period. The lobby on the main
floor is Italian Renaissance, with black, dark green
and gold, with gray rugs and green upholstery. To
the left is the main restaurant, in Italian Renaissance
and to the right the pearl gray and white Georgian
dining room. The offices are at the rear under the
mezzanine floor. Both restaurants on this floor are
served from the main kitchen which occupies the mez-
zanine. The parlors and State Suite occupy the next
floor, while from the "first" to the "sixteenth" floors
are bedrooms. There is no "thirteenth" floor nor no
"Room 13" on any floor. The seventeenth and eigh-
teenth floors contain the ballroom, reception rooms
and large private dining-rooms. On the nineteenth
floor are the telephone exchange, tanks and elevator
machinery.

Perhaps the most important single department of a

hotel is the kitchen. This is really a manufacturing
plant in which quality of output and speed of service
are paramount. In the William Penn Hotel there are
three kitchens — the main on the mezzanine floor, the
banquet on the 17th floor and the grill, adjacent to that
room in the basement. There is also a small serving-
kitchen connected with the servants' cafeteria on the
18th floor. All the equipment was designed and in-
stalled by the Bernard Gloekler Company, of Pitts-
burgh. Power-driven machines were equipped with
220 volt direct current motors of Westinghouse make,,
as follows :

Cake mixer, 2 h.p. ; potato masher, 1 h.p. ; dough
mixer, 3 h.p.; puree machine, y2 h.p.; bread crumber,
^4 h.p. ; potato peeler, 2 h.p. ; meat cutters, ^4 h.p. ;
choppers, 1 h.p. ; cheese grat-
er, y2 h.p. ; coffee mill, fy h.p. ;
dish washers, 3 h.p.; grind-
stone, 1 h.p. ; silver polishers,
3 h.p.; knife buffer, 1-20 h.p.;
steel-knife polisher, 1 h.p.

Natural gas is used for the
ranges and ovens, and high-
pressure steam is used for
soup-kettles, etc. Low pres-
sure steam is used for warm-
ing-cabinets. Dishes are
washed by being placed on
edge in trays which run
through a machine. on an end-
less wood-block chain floor.
They are squirted with hot
soapy water and live steam
and later rinsed with clean
hot water. The heat absorb-
ed is sufficient to dry them
without toweling.

Refrigeration

The "backbone" of the re-
frigerating plant, which was
installed complete by the Pennsylvania Engineer-
ing Company of Philadelphia, consists of two fifty-ton
ice machines, each driven by a 90 h.p. motor, with
speed adjustment~from 225 to 450 r. p. m. The am-
monia system is used. Drinking water is cooled by
direct contact with the expanding gas ; for ice cream
making, brine at o deg. F. is used, circulated by dupli-
cate reciprocating pumps driven by \Y/2 h.p. motors..
The ice cream machines are of both the French and
the dasher type, and are driven by 2 h.p. motors. For
all other purposes brine at 10 deg. F. is used. There are
a total of 62 refrigerators, divided into two systems — -
those up to the fifth floor and those above. For the
lower system the duplicate centrifugal circulating
pumps are driven by jy2 h.p., 1,100-2,200 r. p. m. ; the
upper system is cared for by duplicate reciprocating
pumps driven by 1.5 h. p. 900-1800 r. p. m. motors.
Ice for table and bar use is manufactured to the extent

June, 1916

ELECTRICAL

AGE

of 9,000 lbs. daily by a 10-ton plant using the raw-
water system. A crusher, a shaver, and a cuber, each
driven by a 2 h.p. motor prepare the ice for use.

Pumping Machinery

All water for the hotel comes from the city mains
and is filtered before use. The city pressure of 80 lbs.
normally carries the water to the fifth floor ; a centri-
fugal pump of 200 gal. per min. capacity against a head
of 33 feet is held in reserve. It is driven by a 10 h. p.
motor of 1970 r. p. m. For the upper floors there are
two pumps, each of capacity for 350 gal. per-min.
against a 317 ft. head. Each is driven by a 50 h.p.
motor at 1,700 r.p.m. Water is heated to about 180
deg. F. by steam coils ; a return-pipe system insures
"no-waiting" for hot water. This service requires four
centrifugal circulating pumps driven by 5 h.p. motors
of which two are in reserve. The warm water from
the ammonia condensers is pumped into this system.

Fire protection is supplied by two centrifugal pumps
driven by 75 h.p., 1,700 r.p.m. motors. A 50,000 gallon
tank on the 19th floor provides for emergencies ; there
is an automatic bell and lamp alarm for high and low
water.

Compressed air at 30 lbs. for barber-shop, pneumatic
tubes, sewage ejection, etc., is supplied by two com-
pressors, each belted to a 25 to 35 h.p. adjustable-speed
motor. Sewage is ejected automatically, and there is
also an automatically-controlled sump-pump for re-
moving engine-room waste-water. Automatic control-

Owe of the motor-driven ammonia-pumps

lers for all pumps were installed by the Sundh Electric
Company of New York City.

Ventilation

To keep working-places cool and fresh and to pre-
vent odors from penetrating to the public parts of the
building, 28 blowers have been installed, principally
on the 19th floor. The various motors have a speed
adjustment of two to one, thus providing a large in-
crease in the volume of air when needed. Certain

parts of the building receive washed and heated air
through spray-type tempering rooms. Heating of
guest-rooms is by low-pressure steam.
Elevator Service
There are six main passenger elevators installed by
the Otis Elevator Company. These are of the 1 :i
ratio gearless traction type, capacity 2,500 lbs. They
have a travel of 236 feet, and serve all floors from the

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A dish-washing machine and its racks

basement to the eighteenth. The motors are 39 h.p.
240 volt, 58 r.p.m. The controllers are of the magnetic
type and have overload and no-voltage protective re-
lays, and protection from over-travel. Each car is
equipped with the Otis electro-mechanical safety de-
vice. For service purposes there are two passenger
elevators which have a travel of 258 feet, serving all
floors. Electrically and mechanically they are practi-
cally identical with the others. Trunks are taken from
the Oliver Avenue sidewalk to the storage level in the
second sub-basement on an Otis winding-drum type
elevator. This has a capacity of 3,300 lbs. and is mov-
ed at 350 feet per minute by a 40 h.p. motor through
worm-gear drive. An identical elevator on the Sixth
Avenue side carries food supplies to the refrigerators
and storage rooms. Freight of all sorts is handled by
a traction-type elevator roped 2 to 1, which travels be-
tween all floors. It has a capacity of 3,300 lbs. at 450
feet per minute and is driven by a 43 h.p. motor.

Electric Dumb- Waiters

One of the most interesting installations is the group
of four electric dumbwaiters which run between the
main kitchen and the service stations on various floors.
These were installed by the Burdett-Rowntree Manu-
facturing Company and have a capacity of 200 lbs. at
300 feet per minute. Control is from one point only —
the main kitchen. When the door in front of a car is
closed, the operator presses a button which designates
the floor to which the car is to go. The car starts
and on its arrival a bell rings until the shaft door is
opened. As long as it is open the car is immovable ;;
as soon as it is closed the car returns automatically to
the kitchen. Two of these cars run to the banquet

ELECTRICAL ACL

June, 1916

kitchen on the 17th flopr, There are two similar dumb-
waiters which run between the main kitchen and the
store-rooms and butcher-shop in the basement. These
have control-buttons at each end of their run.
Illumination
The lighting of any interior is an essential part of
the scheme of interior decorations. In designing the
fixtures for the main lobby and the Italian restaurant
adjoining it, the makers, Edward F. Caldwell & Co.,
used direct lighting. This was on account of the dark
ceiling and walls and the deeply paneled surface of the
former, all of which reduced the light reflected to a
small fraction of that produced. The general illumina-
tion of these rooms is from two large crystal chande-
liers roughly spherical in outline, suspended well above
the line of vision. Local illumination is given by
pedestal, table and bracket lamps shaded in various
ways. The Georgian dining room is illuminated in a
similar way, as is the ballroom. The fixtures in the
bedrooms are also for direct lighting, as it was felt
that a more satisfactory illumination could be secured
at less cost both for current and for maintenance than
with semi-indirect lighting. In general, each room has v
fixture carrying three arms close to the ceiling from
which hang opal globes containing one 25-watt c1ear
lamp. On each bed, a simple bracket is fastened to the
high Georgian head-piece; this carries a 15-watt frosted
lamp. Current is supplied through a cord and plug from
an outlet in the base-board. Should the bed be taken down
for storage, the plug is taken off the cord ; a single screv
releases the bracket, and it is wrapped up with the cord
and plug for future use. A bracket arm on each side of
the dressing-table mirror carries a frosted Style B can-
delabra lamp; the wires from each go to a junction box
on the back of the dresser from whence a flexible cord
These fittings are also readily removed when necessary.
On each writing-table is a small lamp with an opaque
metal shade; glass below it allows light from the 15-watt
makes connection to the receptacle in the base-board,
clear lamp to be thrown directly on the writing surface.

The finish of the "standard" fitxures is dull gold. Other
portable lamps are provided as the furnishings demand.
In each room additional outlets are provided to supply
curling irons, fans, etc

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Ventilating Fans on the igth Floor

In the corridors of the guests' and public portions of
the hotel are fixtures carrying an etched opal ball close
to the ceiling. Each contains a 25-watt clear lamp.
Emergency circuits are run direct from the main switch-
board to sufficient lamps to make exit easy in case of
fire; these lamps burn continuously, no switches being
placed in the circuits. Although they are normally fed
from the a.c. lighting buses, a relay is provided to connect
them automatically to the d.c. power buses in case of a
failure of the former source.

• The service-quarters are lighted by single-lamp units
consisting of ten-inch deep opal globes directly beneath
the ceiling. Lamps of from 25 to 150 watts are used as
the case demands.

(To be Continued)

Pumps and Controllers in the Basement Machine Room

iJ _T J» X c^tX £> >> -Q) •£.• Jj

merely offered as a basis to work upon. Mr. R. S. Hale,
in answer to questions on the anticipated l-eduction to be
gained by use of concentric wiring, stated that average
figures could not be given since the cost depended on
the type of building in which the installation was to be
made. He cited a number of installations in Boston that
had come to his attention and gave the percentage cost
reductions over conduit and knob-and-tube wiring.

The report of the Committee on Merchandising pro-
voked a lively discussion concerning special sales of sea-

June, 1916 ELECTRICAL AGE

With an address by Mayor Thompson of Chicago, the
thirty-ninth convention of the National Electric Light
Association opened on Tuesday morning, May 23. Tn
bidding the visitors welcome, Mr. Thompson spoke of
the increasing part which electricity plays in modern life,
due not only to the advance of the art but to the reduc-
tions in rates made by far-sighted utilities. Following
mayor, President E. W. Lloyd delivered the annual
address, in which he mentioned briefly the forward steps
taken by the industry and the association during the year.
In suggesting the lines of future progress, Mr. Lloyd
mentioned the proposals as to the meetings of geograph-
ical sections with other societies, the addition to the as-
sociation staff of rate and valuation experts to be at the
service of members, and the possible change of name of
the association to one which would be more expressive
of its purposes.

The present status of the membership was given by
Assistant Secretary Sewall, who reported the additions
for the year to have been 120 Class A members, 3,579
Class B ; 19 Class C; 27 Class D; 93 Class E; and 14
foreign members. The merger of the Electric Vehicle
Association added 1,139 members, and the total now
stands at 14,983.

Reports on other activities of the executive staff of the
association occupied the balance of the session.

First Technical and Hydroelectric Session
This session was held on Tuesday afternoon with Vice-
President H. A. Wagner in the chair. After his outline
of the past and future work of the section, Mr. C. D.
Durfee presented the report of the committee on Meters.
The discussion brought out various modifications in test-
ing methods which would make savings in time and cur-
rent consumption. Mr. E. R. Weeks then read a paper
condemning the killing of animals by electricity as being
needlessly painful. His opinion was supported by letters
from Kennelley, Sprague, Mailloux, Steinmetz, Edison,
and Elihu Thompson. The discussion on the report of
the committee on Terminology developed a disfavor to
the proposed list of illuminating terms as they did not
correspond to those now in use by other organizations.
A paper by D. W. Roper on lightning protection for
transformers showed that where good grounds could not
readily be obtained on account of soil conditions, the cost
of protection by ordinary methods might easily become
25 per cent, of the cost of the apparatus.

First Commercial Session
With Joseph F. Becker in the chair, the first report to
the commercial section was that of the Committee on
Publications. This suggested changes in the arrangement
by which the printing and sales work should be handled
by a publishing house, thus leaving the committee free
of burdensome detail.

In the discussion of the report of the Wiring Com-
mittee the effect of the increased cost of wiring was
commented on as tending to prohibit the use of electrici-
ty. The adoption of a universal type of attachment-
plug was also favored. Mr. W. H. Blood gave a history
of concentric wiring and a statement of the present situa-
tion regarding its use. He stated a sub-committee had
prepared rules for the manufacture and installation of
this type of wire and fittings. However, these rules are
tentative, and there was no desire to enforce them, being

The Association's New President :
Herbert A. Wagner

sonable devices and the necessity of maintaining such
devices in order to keep them in service.

First Accounting Session

The principal business transacted at this session was
the receiving of reports on various phases of standard-
ization of accounts. A resolution was adopted recom-
mending that all public service commissions and other
regulatory bodies having supervision of the accounts of
public service companies, standardize as far as prac-
ticable their accounting schedules and form of annual
report required from utilities.

ELECTRICAL AGE

June, 1916

Second General Session

At this session Mr. W. W. Freeman presented the
report of the Committee on Public Policy. Presi-
dent Lloyd occupied the chair.

Second Commercial Section

The report of the Committee on Education showed
that employees of 150 companies were taking the cor-
respondence course for electrical salesmen. Of the 1082
subscribers, only about 65 per cent, are connected with
commercial departments of central stations ; the remain-
der are trying to familiarize themselves with the work
for future use. It was recommended that a course be
prepared on the fundamentals of electricity and magnet-
ism for men not technically trained. The consensus of
the discussion was that it takes men of great determina-
tion, assisted by co-operation from the central station
companies, to complete the course. It is only necessary
to have the men pay for at least a part of their course
in order to appreciate its value. The offering and "pro-
motion" of such courses will reveal men of unsuspected
ability in central station forces.

Following the report of the Lamp Committee, which
covered the general developments in incandescent lamps
during the year, in particular of the development of a
lamp for moving-picture machines, the discussion
touched upon the desirability of the standardization of
voltages and the elimination of carbon and gem lamps
with a view to reducing the manufacturing costs. An
investigation in Ohio showed the ease with which volt-
ages of no, 115, and 125 might be standardized in that
State as 75 per cent, of the central stations and now
use one or other of these voltages. The necessity for
reducing glare by screening high-intensity lamps was
touched upon.

Second Accounting Session

The report of the Committee on Form of Annual Re-
port brought out the necessity of standardizing the var-
ious schedules in order that they may be of real value
to public service commissions, public service companies
and the general public. Valuable suggestions by member
companies brought out salient points of vital importance
and in many instances show the seemingly unnecessary
burden and expense a great many member companies
must bear in order to furnish information required by
their respective commissions, which information is ap-
parently of little or no value. The aim of the Committee
has been to simplify and standardize all schedules and
submit for association approval a concise, concrete and
standard form of annual report to be recommended to all
public service commissions having control over electric
utilities.

The methods of billing subscribers were discussed at
length, especially devices for making a photographic or
other record of meter readings. This method was fa-
vored at present for special cases only, such as demand-
meters which are re-set monthly. The necessity for
every possible saving was made evident by the enormous
sum of $10,500,000 expended each year for billing.
Electric Range Session

The enthusiasm manifested at the meeting which took
up the electric range situation was most striking. The
committee's report emphasized need, in development
plans, for advertising campaigns, for pushing of sales
by the central stations, and for co-operation between the
manufacturers and the central stations in the design, con-
struction and the merchandising of electric ranges. Each
central station will have to adopt the form of rate which
seems best for its conditions. Household cooking and
baking in restaurants, bake shops, etc., can be profitably
handled on a three-cent rate ; cooking in hotels, etc., re-
quires a somewhat lower rate; water heating requires a

rate of one cent per kilowatt hour or less. Central sta-
tions must prepare to heat water electrically for a con-
siderable number of their electric cooking customers.
Present types of electric water heaters are efficient. Stor-
age of hot water is generally very inefficient. A beginning
only has been made in the solution of the water heating
problem.

Mr. W. R. Putnam, of Salt Lake City, who presented
the report, added that an investigation of electric cooking
was made in a town of 8,000 population where about 42
electric ranges were installed. The average kilowatt-
hour consumption per month was found to be 74.5 and
the average price of the range installed $90. A majority
of the customers considered electric cooking cheaper than
coal. The discussion called attention to the effectiveness
of various advertising mediums, in particularly the Sat-
urday afternoon and Sunday dailies. A co-operative plan
by which the Union Electric Light & Power Company
has agreed to absorb an amount up to 15, of the cost of
any range installation made by contractors. This plan
resulted in much activity being displayed by the electrical
men in promoting the use of electric cooking.
Third General Session

During the discussion of the report on Rate Research,
the need for greater co-operation with the association
was mentioned. President Lloyd stated that there was
under consideration the plan of publishing as complete a
compilation as possible of the rate, of electric light and
power companies in cities of 40,000 population and over.
This publication would be in loose-leaf form and would
be revised every three months.

The report of the Committee on Constitution and By-
Laws recommended amendment of the constitution to
provide for the holding of meetings of geographic sec-
tions in conjunction with meetings of similar bodies in
order to save time and travelling. Another change would
allow, if the section chairman was unable to attend a
meeting of the National Executive Committee, the
might executive committee of the geographic section
elect a representative, providing that no one represen-
tative, providing that no one representative thus elect-
ed would attend more than two meetings of the Na-
tional Executive Committee. Another amendment
would substitute for the word "income" of electric
light and power companies the word "earnings" in
computing association dues.

There was a general discussion of plans for increased
activity and affiliation on the part of the sections, fol-
lowing which J. M. Wakeman, general manager of the
Society for Electrical Development, gave a rapid survey
of what had been accomplished by the Society with
respect to Electrical Prosperity Week and the "Wire
Your Home" campaign, and outlined some of the plans
with regard to "America's Electrical Week" from De-
cember 2 to December 9.

Second Technical Hydroelectric Session

On Wednesday afternoon this session discussed high-
tension joints, in particular those on 19,000 and 25,000
volts made by the "Conducell" method. Federal legisla-
tion on water-powers was explained by Mr. Henry J.
Pierce, who pointed out the need for more scientific
legislation.

The proposed Electrical Safety Code drawn up by the
Bureau of Standards came in for criticism as it was said
to provide for . construction which would never fail un-
der any circumstances, and was too stringent to be prac-
tical. The electrical industry has been harried by ex-
cessive regulation in comparison to some more hazardous
lines, and they should now receive the attention of gov-
ernment. Any increase in the cost of electrical construc-
tion must ultimately be borne by the public.

June, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

First Electric Vehicle Session

At this meeting, also on Wednesday afternoon, after
various reports had been received, Mr. Henry Sal vat, of
Chicago, read a paper on garage service. In this he
stated that interference by the manufacturer of electric
vehicles between owner and garage man had the result
of irritating the owner and making him think that the
electric vehicle is more delicate than the gasoline type.
Then, too, he claimed that manufacturers discourage the
attempts of the garage owner to sell supplies, taking away
the profits of a by-product of the latter's service ; also
manufacturers do not give commissions on sales when
leads are furnished by the garage owner. These tend-
encies do not exist in the relations with gasoline car man-
ufacturers, the garage owner becomes discouraged with
these conditions, together with small returns for electric-
car service, and either the business is discontinued or the
garage is converted to the care of gasoline cars exclusive-
ly, which, in turn, works to the detriment of the car
owner and manufacturer.

Mr. Salvat mentioned the lack of newspaper and
magazine "publicity" for electric cars.

Second Electric Vehicle Session

This was held on Thursday morning, and included the
presentation and discussion of reports on good roads,
insurance, legislation, and the use of electric trucks in
Federal and municipal transportation. Papers were read
on the relation of tires to the efficiency of electric
vehicles, on troubles of electric trucks, and on various
industrial applications.

The last-mentioned paper gives an outline of the prin-
cipal types in extensive use, the "electric stevedore" in
lengths of 6 to 10 feet stated as having the most universal
use. A short description is given of the electrical and
mechanical features of this type. The various fields
covered, the adaptations of the truck to local conditions
and its possibilities are outlined and illustrated. The
specific services for which the electric truck is applicable
are so many that its increased use in large numbers is in-
evitable.

The advantages derived from a battery-service system
are stated, and it is urged that service systems should
cover not only battery maintenance but also chassis, body,
tires, including painting as well as storage and washing.
Experiences in connection with furnishing such service
are given, together with advantage to the truck owner,
and relations between central stations, manufacturers and
garage owners in co-operating to give the service. The
plan appeals strongly to the small user of trucks and aids
in the sales and popularity of the electric vehicle.
Third Commercial Section

The first item at this session, on Thursday morning,
dealt with the work of the Power Sales Bureau, and
recommended that its name be changed to Industrial
Sales Bureau, and that it be divided into electrochemical,
general power and railway, electric heating, and isolated
plant subdivisions in order to prevent duplication of
work. A paper by C. J. Carlsen on "Central-Station
Service in the Manufacture of Ice," covered the subject
in a general way, the object being to point out the great
opportunities and possibilities for central-station service
in this branch of industry as' well as to present such
practical working data as may be of value to prospective
ice manufacturers and manufacturers of ice-making ma-
chinery and equipment, as well as to central-station in-
terests.

The discussion developed the facts that as power can
be saved more obviously where electric drive is used,
closer supervision will be given to such economies. Ad-
vantages of the raw-water system was shown, as also the
desirability of operating an ice-plant as a central-station

auxiliary. The committee on New Industrial Applica-
tions showed the necessity for co-operation between en-
gineers and commercial men in the investigation of pros-
pective customers' plants, and also that information as
to processes, etc., be kept strictly secret. Industrial heat-
ing and its advantages were also discussed.
Third Technical Session
A report and discussion on safety devices brought for-
ward a new thin rubber glove which will stand 20,000
volts and yet does not impede the fingers. Attention was
given to mechanical resuscitation devices and to the need
for training of workmen in the prone-pressure method of
resuscitation.

The phenomenal increase in size of steam turbines
also came in for attention. The discussion of coal hand-
ling and the influence of moisture content on the fuel
bill was of interest to steam-plant men. The Committee
on Electrical Apparatus recommended a change of stand-
ard secondary voltages from no and 220 to 115 and 230.
This, however, was opposed because of the desirability
of having transformers interchangeable. A general dis-
cussion followed in which many points of interest were
brought up.

Third Accounting Session
Thursday morning's meeting opened with the presenta-
tion of a paper on "A Correspondence Course in Ac-
counting" submitted by A. L. Holme and J. R. Wildman.
This paper gave an outline of a course in accounting
which it is proposed to give by correspondence to em-
ployees of member companies. This course is laid out
for four years of which the first two are elementary,
the third an intermediate and the fourth is an advanced
course. The work of each year covers eight principal
divisions. It was stated that, if 500 subscribers could
be secured to take up this course, the annual cost per
student would not be over $15.

Discussion of this paper and election of officers con-
sumed the rest of the session. The results of the election
were as follows :

Chairman, J. L. Bailey, of Consolidated Gas, Electric
Light & Power Company, Baltimore, Md. ; vice-chairman,
Paul R. Jones, of H. L. Doherty & Company, New York
City ; treasurer, C. E. Calder, Dallas, Tex. ; secretary,
Frederick Schmitt, of New York Edison Company, New
York City. Directors, J. H. Gulick, Chicago ; R. W.
Symes, Detroit; R. H. Ballard, Los Angeles; F. L. Hall,
Providence ; H. Spoehrer, St. Louis ; W. E. Long, Phila-
delphia, and E. J. Allegaert, Newark.

Fourth Commercial Section
Following the report of the Lighting Sales Bureau,
Mr. Earle E. Whitemore presented an excellent paper
on "The way to make a Salesman." The qualifications
which Mr. Whitehorne specified were :

(1) good impression, principally a matter of
clothes and face; (2) necessary general and
special knowledge to secure the interest of the
prospect; (3) personal contact, influence and
acquaintance in the community; (4) ready com-
mand of all arguments and data of what he
sells; (5) determination to secure the order at
the first call, if at all possible; (6) self-confi-
dence and willingness to take responsibility with-
out calling in special assistance; (7) aggressive-
ness in developing new business on his own ini-
tiative; (8) maintenance of friendly relations
with former customers and readiness to sell
further service; (9) co-operation with electrical
contractors, dealers and other electrical inter-
ests; (10) co-operation with his fellow sales-
men.

( Continued on page 64)

<paapi3fru@2&t£

ELECTRICAL AGE

£MWzM

(Continued from the May Issue)

June, 1916

1 Q

The forebay, located at the face of the station wharf
embodies recent practice in forebay construction for
large generating stations, which includes motor-
operated revolving screen for the elimination of small
floating matter such as leaves, etc., together with
heavy iron screens of "I" beam construction to pre-
vent entrance of heavy ice or other floating matter.
The feed water for steam boilers will be the pure dis-
tilled water of condensation from the condensers, with
make-up water from the station's own filtration and
purifiers.

Largest Condensers Ever Built

The condensers are the largest ever built for station-
ary practice, and are of the two-pass, radial-flow, sur-
face type, each containing 50,000 square feet of cool-
ing surface. The tubes are one-inch diameter, No.
18 BW gauge, of a special composition found most
suitable for local conditions. The unique design of this
huge condenser demands attention : — its tubes are
arranged eccentrically within the shell in circular rows,
and the air is removed from the center in order to
give the steam a minimum path of flow through the
condenser tubes. By means of the counter-flow prin-
ciple, the condensate is allowed to pass down over
the hottest tubes, and is removed at a temperature
within a few degrees of that of the exhaust steam. The
circulating water to each condenser is supplied
through tri-rotor centrifugal geared turbine-driven
pumps. For each generating unit there is installed
two of these pumps, with maximum capacity each of
37,500 gallons per minute. Besides, there is pro-
vided one additional pump of like type and capacity, as
a spare unit coupled for emergency service to either
condenser. The reduction gear used for these pumping
outfits is of the well-known herringbone type with
ratio of 9:1, the turbine operating at 2,880 revolutions
per minute and the pump at 320 revolutions per min-
ute. The injection water which is delivered to
the condenser through a 48-inch pipe, enters at the bot-
tom and discharges from the top, through a pipe of sim-
ilar size, and the end of this discharge pipe is sealed
so as to form a perfect syphon system. It is held that
this arrangement of piping reduces the actual work per-
formed by the circulating pumps to that required to
overcome the friction of the tubes and piping.
Centrifugal Pumps for Condensers

The condensate pumps are of the two-stage cen-
trifugal type direct-connected to steam turbines ; each
generating unit is provided with two pumps, the
capacity of which is 1,500 gallons per minute each.
The water of condensation which passes through these
pumps discharges directly into a "sweet water" tank
from which it flows by gravity into a boiler feed-
water heater of the open type. As a further precaution
and a warning to the operating engineers in case of fail-

ure of the condensate pumps, the company's standard
high-water alarm is connected to each condenser.
This consists essentially of an electro-mechanical de-
vice which closes an 'alarm circuit "when the water in
the condenser base has reached a predetermined and
abnormal level. The air pumps are the well-
known Le Blanc type, direct-connected to steam tur-
bines ; these pumping outfits also are in duplicate,
and are placed immediately below the condensers.
The hurling or sealing water required is supplied by
the circulating pumps and discharged directly into the
discharge tunnel.

Coal Elevators

The coal supply to the two generating stations is
both by rail and river barge, ninety per cent, of the fuel
now being delivered by water. In the case of water
delivery, the unloading of the coal is done by means of
one steam-driven, two-man tower and one electrically-
operated one-man tower, with combined unloading,
crushing and weighing capacity of three hundred tons
per hour. From these towers at the face of the wharf,
the coal is conveyed to the station by a motor-operated
cable railway. The transfer cars of 3-ton capacity dis-
charge into standard track hoppers, whence on motor-
driven elevators the coal is raised to top of the boiler
house where it is then distributed to the coal bunkers
by means of motor-driven conveyors. The elevators in
use at the present station are of the link-belt type, and
are in duplicate, one elevator being placed at each end
of the bunkers. The conveyors are of the reversible
scraper type arranged with motor-drive to handle coal
from either elevator. The elevators for the new station
are of McCaslin design wdth overlapping buckets
and gravity discharge, and the conveyors of the same
character as those already installed in the present sta-
tion.

Steam Boilers

The station steam boiler equipment consists of 20
Babcock & Willcox water-tube boilers, each 32 tubes
wide, 14 tubes high, and 20 feet long. There are 4
steam arid water drums each 42-inch diameter by 22
feet, 3 j4 inches long. The superheater is of the
standard Babcock & Willcox type. The depth of fur-
nace is 8 feet, 7^ inches, its width 19 feet, and height
from floor line to lower row of boiler tubes measured
at the front header 11 feet. Each boiler is guaranteed
to evaporate 60,000 pounds of water per hour from a
temperature of 1600 F. to a pressure of 250 pounds
per square inch and a maximum temperature of 600 °
F. ; and each is furnished with recording steam
flow meter, recording CO, meter and recording ther-
mometers for flue gas temperature measurements. These
boilers are set singly with 5-foot alleys between, and
arranged in four rows of five boilers each. Two rows
or ten boilers are piped to each of the two turbines.

Junk, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

Each row of five boilers is provided with one
steel stack 12 feet diameter at top, 19 feet at base and
extended to a height of 207 feet above the boiler room
floor line, the location of stacks being directly above the
boilers, and their support being the heavy structural
work of the building.

Coal Storage and Handling

In the new station, there are two separate and
distinct coal storage bunkers, capacity each 3,750 tons,
and each bunker is divided longitudinally into four
sections by fire-proof partitions to prevent the spread
of any combustion which might occur. From these
bunkers the coal flows by gravity to the stoker hoppers

One of the Twenty Steam Boilers

through coal feed pipes which are supplied with cut-off
valves conveniently located beneath the bunkers; the
lower half of the coal pipe is arranged to swing clear
of the path of the boiler tubes to facilitate the cleaning
of tubes or their removal.

Stokers and Blowers
Each boiler is equipped with one ten-retort, un-
derfed, automatic stoker of the Taylor type with ex-
tension grate, the ashes dropping directly into an ash
hopper located immediately below the furnace. For
air supply to each furnace there is provided one mul-
tivane blower driven by a 60-horsepower Terry steam
turbine through a reduction gear of the herringbone
type. The turbine speed is 3,600 revolutions per min-
ute reduced to 510 revolutions per minute at the fan.
Each blower delivers 35,000 cubic feet of air per min-
ute against a static pressure of 5 inches water in the

wind box. When operating under these conditions,
the water rate guarantee of the turbine is not to ex-
ceed 28 pounds per brake - horse - power - hour. The
stoker for each boiler is driven by a 10 h-p. 230 volt
interpole motor having a speed adjustment from 400
to 1200 r.p.m. This provides great flexibility to care
for variations in load. Current for these motors is
generated by two 200 kw. 250 volt d. c. generators
driven by Curtis turbines through reduction gear.
Ash Handling System

The ash-handling facilities are unique. From the
ash hoppers, located directly beneath the furnaces as
previously mentioned, the ashes are drawn off into a
portable crusher mounted on a truck which runs on
rails provided for emergency ash-carts. The crusher
is driven by a 5 h-p 900 r.p.m. motor connected by
flexible leads to a service outlet under each boiler.
From the crusher the ashes fall into an intake opening
in a 10-in. cast-iron pipe through which they are drawn
into the ash-storage tank. This is of reinforced con-
crete and provided with air-tight doors. An exhauster
of the positive blower type creates suction sufficient
to move 550 lbs. of ashes per minute. It is belted to
a 100 h-p. 2400 volt induction motor. The exhaust is
discharged into a muffler chamber. The storage tank
has a capacity of about 15000 cubic feet, enough for
300 tons of ashes. From time to time the ashes are
drawn off into dump-carts for removal.
Phase-Converter Sets

Mention should be made of the two phase-converter
sets which are for use on the 25-cycle system. Re-
gardless of which phase is the more heavily loaded,
they will distribute a single-phase load of 12,000 kw.
equally over the three phases for five minutes without
undue heating. Each phase-converter also furnishes
power for a 550 kva. voltage balancer which is both
mechanically and electrically connected to it.

♦♦♦ Sf ♦♦*

Some idea of the guaranteed steam consumption of turbo-
generators may be had from the following table of offers made
to the Municipal Electric Plant of Shanghai, China. The ma-
chines are of European make, except as noted.

Full Load

Speed

Steam lbs.

Firm

Alternator

K.W.

R.P.M.

per kw.

Fraser and Chalmers

Vickers

5,000

3,000

13.0

Escher Wyss

Brown Boveri

5,000

3.000

12.62

Willans & Robinson

Siemens

do.

12.85

Oerlikon

do.

12.78

Willans

Siemens

6,000

1,500

12.75

Westinghouse (U.S.A.)

Westinghouse

5,000

3.000

15.0

Oerlikon

7,000

do.

12.71

Belliss

Vickers

do.

1.500

13.05

Brush Co.

Brush

6,000

do.

'" 12.9

Howden & Co.

Vickers

7,500

do.

13.05

General Electric Co.

(U.S.A.)

G. E. Co.

do.

12.55

Dick Kerr

8,000

do.

13.1

Fraser & Chalmers

Vickers

10,000

do.

12.75

B. T. Houston Co.

B. T. H.

do.

12.5

Willans

Siemens

do.

12.55

Escher Wyss

Brown Boveri

do.

12.65

Howden & Co.

Siemens

do.

12.95

General Electric Co.

(U.S.A.)

G. E. Co.

do.

"" 12.85

Oerlikon

do.

12.61

C. A. Parsons

Parsons

do.

11.9

Westinghouse (U.S.A.)

Westinghouse

do.

"" 13.5

Richardsous-Westga

•th

Siemens

do.

12.5

Adamson

Siemens

do.

12.8

Brush Co.

Brush

do.

12.65

The cost of these machines, erected in Shanghai, varied from
$13.32 to $19.55, the average being $16.50 per kw. capacity. Most
of the bids were in the near neighborhood of the average.

ELECTRICAL AGE

June, 1916

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3®Mk®t

As has been indicated in the previous articles of this series,
the broad beam of electrical knowledge, that to-day en-
lightens the world, is the work of many lands. To it have
contributed Italy with Galvani and Volta, France with Am-
pere and Coulomb, Germany with Ohm and Gauss, England
with Gilbert and Faraday and our own country with Franklin
and Henry.

Auld Scotland came in late, but when she did take a part,
her famous sons, Clerk Maxwell and William Thomson
(Lord Kelvin) gave to the sum of the world's store of
electrical science contributions unsurpassed in brilliancy and
usefulness. It is to the former of these two that men to-
day owe much of their grasp on the great underlying facts
of electricity and magnetism and it is with him that this
sketch is concerned.

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MAXWELL

Unlike most of the great men whose lives we have so far
followed, James Clerk Maxwell, born at Edinboro, June 13,
1831, came of a distinguished and well-to-do family, that was
amply able to give him every wordly advantage.

As a lad he was principally noted for his lively curiosity
as to the reason of anything that attracted his attention. He
was interested in the whence and whither of the winds,
streams, clouds; water-pipes, bell-wires and so forth and
his everlasting query was, "What's the go o' that?" His
bent was for accurate knowledge and if any indefinite reply
was given him, he would at once come back with, "But what's
the particular go of it?" He was also a clever and industri-
ous amateur experimenter, putting his questions directly to
nature.

Studious, and well trained in the fine schools of the Scot-
tish capitol, young Maxwell early showed his proficiency in
mathematics, making his first original contribution to that
science at fifteen, for in 1846, while he was still at the Edin-
boro Academy, its principal, Professor Forbes, read a paper
before the Royal Society on "A Mechanical Method of Trac-
ing Oval Curves," written by his youthful pupil. Shortly
afterwards he entered the University where he was a
star student in mathematics and physics, producing several
papers of distinct value before he graduated there in 1850 at
the age of nineteen. Fondness for his specialty led him to

Trinity College, Cambridge, where he took his doctor's de-
gree in '54. The following year, he started on the series of
electrical and magnetic studies which became the leading
work of his life. The first fruit was the publication of an
elaborate paper on the nature of Faraday's "lines of magnetic
force." Maxwell was appointed professor of natural science
at a small Scottish college in 1856, but his papers had given
him a wide reputation and four years later he was called to
King's College, London. Meanwhile he was continuing his
efforts to translate electrical and magnetic phenomena into
mathematical terms and with brilliant success. Essay after
essay came from his hand, each bringing new illumination to
bear on some phase of the subject.

From this he turned aside long enough to capture the
Adams Astronomical prize for 1857 with a paper on "The
Stability of the Motion of Saturn's Rings," in which he was-
able to prove conclusively that the rings must consist of a
vast mass- of separate small bodies and could not be rigid.
This episode indicates the breadth of Maxwell's scientific
training and his exceptional power to express complex physi-
cal facts in the language of mathematics and thus facilitate
their comprehension and handling. He also devoted his at-
tention to the study of colors and color effects and in 1861
was awarded the Royal Society's Rumford medal for his re-
searches in this line. He furthermore made important dis-
coveries in the field of optics, inventing a real-image stereo-
scope and proving the variations of the sensitiveness of dif-
ferent parts of the human retina.

Maxwell's great work in electrical and magnetic science
consisted in gathering the vast store of experimental facts
and observations on these subjects that had been accumulat-
ing so rapidly during the past hundred years and weaving
them into a workable theoryj mathematically demonstrable,
by means of which much of the observed phenomena could
be explained and the relations between them better under-
stood. In this way he was able to go far beyond the ex-
perimenters of the past in that he was able to make predic-
tions, based on his; theory and its consequences, that certain
things, then unproved, would be found in the future to be so.
Since his time many of these predictions have been experi-
mentally verified, and while the developments of later years
have profoundly changed our ideas on some of the subjects
of which Maxwell treated, we also know that his deductions
in the main were correct, as far as they went.

Perhaps the most famous instance of this is in the case
of invisible electromagnetic waves. It was Maxwell who first
demonstrated that these effects travel through space in the
form of transverse vibrations similar to those of light, but
of much greater wave length, and at the same velocity as
light. Faraday had guessed this and Hertz proved by ex-
periment that Maxwell's conclusions were true. The whole
science of radio telegraphy and telephony has sprung from
these facts. His grand conception was this: that it is pos-
sible to account for all electric and magnetic action by sup-
posing electricity and magnetism to be stresses and motions
in a weightless material substance, the ether. As a con-
sequence of this, he showed that the ratio of the two centi-
meter-gram-second systems of electrostatic and electromag-
netic units is numerically equal to the velocity of light in free
space expressed in centimeters per second, or 30,000,000,000 —
that is 3xio10 centimeters, or 186,000 miles, a second,

This achievement has well been called, "the first great stei>
towards the true understanding of the nature of electricity
and magnetism." It must, of course, be understood that
Maxwell was far too wise to assert that he had actually con-
quered the secret. He very modestly and simply offered his
theory as a possible explanation of these phenomena. It was-
{Continued on page 73)

The college graduate who lays aside his academic
robes for overalls and jumper, or finds new compan-
ionship with his slide-rule in eight hours' continuous
calculation, will hear many expressions of contempt
for theory as opposed to practice. If he is over-loyal
to his technical training he will take up the cudgels
for theory, and stoutly maintain its superiority over
the merely practical. If, however, wisdom is with
him, he will be quiet and wait for practice to show its
merits before he places every reliance upon it.

This so-called conflict between theory and practice
is, of course, but a fiction of minds which do not un-
derstand the nature of theory. Before we can have
any ideas about any object, we must first have the
object, and then we must observe it — we must say
something about it — that it is heavy, or rough, or
cold. By those very words, we tie it up to some group
of objects which we remember as heavy, rough or
cold. We remember that objects whose weight is
above a certain amount of their size have always sunk
in water, and so we conclude that this object is likely
to sink. At once we have a theory and when we use
the object as a weight to drown a superfluous kitten,
we have an application of theory to practice.

The discredit which attaches to the theoretical in
many minds is due principally to lack of decent care
in its application. People have jumped to conclusions,
found them wrong, and blamed the theory rather than
themselves. There are constants to be determined in
every case; just how heavy was the stone in proportion
to its size? If the constants are assumed incorrectly,
the result will be far from the expectation.

Another sneer that is directed against the theoreti-
cal man is that he is too slow. In many cases a few
lucky guesses will land the man of action at his goal
ere the student has gotten fairly under way. In many
other cases, the problem is so complex that a full-scale
trial is necessary before any attempt at calculations
can be made. But here a knowledge of the fundamen-
tal relations will at once suggest the limits of the
test, and give the interpretation of its results.

The student who without talking of his methods,
uses his knowledge of theory at every turn to guide
him will find that his education will carry him far be-
yond his untrained fellow-workmen.

"The dignity of labor" is a phrase so familiar to
American ears that we have long since given it a place
far back in a dusty corner of our mental stock-shelf
So, those news dispatches have a strange sound which
tell us that the English people are at last coming to
realize this truth which has been the main-spring of
our daily lives. For generations it has been the Brit-
ish habit to look upon war as something that could
be paid for in gold. Expensive it maght be, and the
money might come grudgingly at times, but always
the money came, and the war was carried on. But
now the people of England are finding that war is no
longer waged with gold, but with goods, and that for
every man on the firing-line there must be one at
home to keep him supplied with the materials of mod-
ern warfare. With so large a proportion of the form-
er workers unavailable, it now devolves upon every
able-bodied person, man or woman to contribute, not
money, but personal labor in some field of material
production. Women of rank are taking places at ma-
chine-tools, or at street-car controllers and men too old
for active service are doing whatever they can in the
denuded factories at home.

One aspect of this situation is of importance to us
all. We have heard much talk of preparedness, and
much of it has been to the point. But what we need
is more productive capacity for munitions of war.
With huge profits to be made, our manufacturers have
strained every nerve to handle orders for unfamiliar
goods. The change has consumed months, yet they
had available all of our wonderful commercial machin-
ery to carry out their purpose. Should a similar neces-
sity coincide with a declaration of war, and the dis-
arrangement of ordinary transportation which would
accompany it, the delay would be all the more serious.
Ordinary prudence demands that enough factories be
kept always in a position to change instantly from
their ordinary work to the production of military sup-
plies. The necessary plans, instructions, templets,
tools and raw material stocks should be always on
hand and the force should know in a general way what
the operations were. Of course it would be expensive,
but it would mean protection against sending to war
troops which had not enough ammunition for a single
hard-fought battle. All our talk of "too proud to

ELECTRICAL AGE

June, 1916

fight" goes for naught to a potential foe who realizes
very well that save under the present conditions our
initial output of munitions would be less than one
per cent, of our need in any respectable war.

At present the engineering societies are taking a
census of the production capacities of our manufac-
turing plants for munitions. By present indications
the response is going to be truly American in its will-
ingness to co-operate. We urge on all our readers
their duty as citizens to give the committee all the
assistance in their power in this matter. We hope that
from the immense amount of data collected there
may emerge a scheme for tying together the war and
navy departments with out industries, so that there
may be no friction in time of stress.

What the scheme may be, we leave for the commit-
tee to determine, but one thing is evident. The heads
of these two great departments must be no longer
men chosen for political expediency, but for keen
minds and broad business ability. Better might we
trust a raw track-hand at the throttle than a politician
in either of these secretaryships. The very idea that
the government, with no economic pressure for low
and still lower costs, can manufacture armor plate
more cheaply than a private firm, is evidence of what
political incapacity may think.

One of the most discussed questions at gatherings
of central-station men is that of billing methods. With
5,800,000 bills to be made out each month, the ac-
counting experts throughout the country are always
on the alert to cut even a small fraction of a cent from
the units costs. Their efforts have been directed along
several lines, but chiefly toward improving the "load-
factor" of the meter-reading and billing forces and
toward eliminating every step in the process which
can be shown to be unnecessary.

The obvious cause of the poor load factor is one
which affects all commercial organizations, small or
large. Purchasers have become accustomed to re-
ceive statements of account on the first day of the
month. This means that in addition to the regular
flow of work through the bookkeepers' hands there is a
"peak" lasting from about the twenty-fifth of the
month until the bills are in the mails. Managers must
require overtime work with its attendant disadvan-
tages, or hold through the slack period a sufficient
force to carry the peak load without extra work. The
best methods of smoothing out the load curve seems to
be the billing of customers in groups at various times
during the month. By this method there will be no
particular time at which the work is heavier than at
any other ; if the groups are properly proportioned the
load on the force as a whole will be uniform. There
will always be the necessity for as quick action as is
practicable from the time the meters are read until
the bills are in the mails to make the loss of interest on
power furnished but not billed as small as possible.

In the cases where this device has been submitted to a
referendum of patrons, the vote has been favorable to
its adoption and it would seem that the resulting de-
crease in the "maximum demand" on the payers'
purses should be appreciated. That in turn should ac-
crue to the gain of the company, for a bill received
later in the month should be paid more promptly, not
having to compete with other bills for the payer's
funds.

Of methods to "speed up" the various operations and
eliminate lost motions there are as many as there are
alert men in the field. Opportunities for reducing
costs are so alluring that every large organization has
a "Supervisor of Methods" whose duty it is to devise
such shortcuts. One of the most promising devices
is the combination of adding-machine and typewriter
now being tried out by the Commonwealth Edison
Company, of Chicago. The number of operations that
can be performed on these machines in exceedingly
quick time is surprising. Apparently the limiting con-
dition will be the overhead charges on the machines
as compared with the cost of the labor they replace.

At the recent convention of the N. E. L. A. an in-
teresting report was made by the Committee on Cus-
tomers Record, giving replies to a number of ques-
tions as to billing methods which were sent to central
station members. In the next issue of "Electrical
Age" this report and an abstract of the accompanying
discussion will appear.

There are certain switchboard instruments which
normally may indicate any value from zero to their
full range. Ammeters and wattmeters should be so
designed as to give a correct and legible reading at
any point on their scale. In the conditions under
which switchboard instruments operate, this is not
difficult to reach; and these instruments may be said
to have reached a point of entire adaptation to their
service.

Voltmeters, however, are generally used to indicate
not what the voltage actually is, but how far it has
departed from its normal value. At the most the
pointer swings over a very small arc which is limited
by the regulation of the plant. In such a case it would
be better to use, not an instrument reading from zero
to say 150 for a 115-volt plant, but from 100 to 125.
Thus the divisions would be six times as far apart,
and any variation would be six times as apparent.
The more accurate control possible with such an indi-
cator should make the additional expense of the spec-
ial calibration an item well worth its cost.

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EXB2"*

In the search for illuminants best suited for special purposes
there has been a steady tendency toward efficiency, simplicity
and ease of manipulation and control. Coupled with this there
has been the desire, the strength of which is in a way measured
by existing insurance rates rather than by altruistic motives,
to reduce fire risks. The use of open flame lamps of all types
is being curtailed and in their place sources of light partially or
totally enclosed are receiving favor. Though the use of an en-
closing globe does not entirely eliminate the danger of fire
from the light source itself, it does so to some extent and make
the use of enclosed light sources possible where the open type
of illuminant would be prohibited. However, in lamps used in
lens systems where the rays of light are brought to a focus the
danger of igniting any combustible material is proportional to
the heat rays focused without regard to whether or not the
light source is enclosed. It is, therefore, well to keep in mind
the fact that the use of an incandescent lamp in a motion pic-
ture machine, for example, does not eliminate the possibility of
igniting the film if the latter should be stopped for any cause
and the automatic fire shutter should fail to close. This point
is brought out because of the prevalence of the idea that with
an incandescent lamp there would be no danger of igniting trie
film.

Incandescent Lamps in Projectors

The incandescent electric lamp has won recognition in most of
the industrial lighting fields and has assumed importance in
street lighting, especially in the larger sizes, which are success-
fully competing with the most efficient types of arc lamps.
Another form of Humiliation, known as flood lighting, has
also come into prominence since the advent of the concentrated
filament Mazda lamp of high candlepower. This form of light-
ing is used to illuminate buildings or portions of buildings, bill
boards, signs, water towers, etc. and is named from the fact
that the source of light is placed in a fixture which reflects
the rays to flood the object to be illuminated. Other successful
applications of incandescent lamps which require that the light be
accurately directed are automobile and locomotive head lights.
In the realm of picture projection, however, up to the present
time the incandescent lamp has not been able to compete with
the arc except for small stereopticon lanterns used where the
"throw" is short and the picture small. For large lecture halls
where stereopticons are used, the calcium light or the arc has
been found necessary, though recently very good effects have
been obtained by the use of specially concentrated filament lamps
of high wattage and candlepower. One difficulty in the use
of the usual type of concentrated filament lamp is the tendency

for the image of parts of the filament to be visible on the
screen, or if this is eliminated, the intensity may be reduced.

Requirements for Motion-Picture Work

The projection of motion pictures has been done exclusively
by arc lamps, as the conditions have been very exacting. It
is necessary to focus the light rays from the source on the
small area of the film, and since this small picture is greatly
magnified on the screen, an extremely high intensity at the film
is required. Since the intrinsic brilliancy of the arc crater is
much greater than the intrinsic brilliancy of the filament of an
incandescent lamp, it has been difficult to obtain the required
intensity. However, since the advent of the Mazda lamp made
up with large filament which will carry 20 amperes or more, it
has been possible to increase the intrinsic brilliancy beyond
what could heretofore be obtained and also to increase tne
energy which could be transformed into heat and light in the
small area which could be effectively used with a condensing
lens system. Since the filament must be arranged in a series of
coils, the most practical form of light source is a square, filled
as completely as possible by the coils, Fig. I.

Fig. J . — Nitrogen-fil(ed Law p for
Motion Picture Projection

In focusing the lamp special care must be used to get the
filament in the correct position with respect to the optical sys-
tem and also to have the correct distance from the condensers
to the aperature plate. Unless these conditions are fulfilled the
screen may have iridescent streaks and be unsatisfactory for
pictures. It has been found by experiment that a number of
different adjustments can be made w'th fairly good results on
the screen, but for the best uniform illumination the lamp fila-
ment must be very closely placed to a definite point which is
constant for a given optical system. Because of the possibility
of adjusting and maintaining an incandescent filament at the
specified point, results can be obtained which are better than
even a skillful operator can maintain with an arc which requires
constant adjustment.

ELECTRICAL AGE

June, 191 6

The Corrugated Condenser

As the experimental stage in the application of incandescent
electric lamps to motion picture projection is not past, it is to be
expected that a number of different condenser systems will be
exploited. At the present time the corrugated condenser system
gives most promise of successfully competing with the standard
systems used with arc lamps. The apparatus used is a single
lens similar to a semaphore lantern lens, corrugated on one
side and convex on the other side. The condenser is placed
with the smooth convex side toward the lamp and the cor-
rugated side toward the aperture plate of the projector, Fig. 2.
The overall diameter of the condenser is 3.5 inches and it is
designed to have conjugate foci of 2 inches and 5 inches with
the source of light placed at the 2 inch focal point. With this
arrangement the condenser picks up a large angle of light and
owing to the concentric corrugations which in effect form a
number of concentric condensers, the total thickness of glass
and hence the total absorption is small. The condenser focuses
the light rays in such a manner that a uniform screen free from
iridescence is produced if the lamp and aperture plate are the
correct distances from the condenser.

Condenser

Fig. 2 — Corrugated Condenser Svstem

Objective
Lens

The main disadvantage of the corrugated condenser is due
to its short focal length. The condenser and lamp housing
must be brought to a distance of 5 inches from the aperture
plate, and with some makes of machine when arranged to be
hand driven, there is very little room for making adjustments
or catching a loop. There is also considerable loss of light,
due to reflection and dispersion from the edges of the corruga-
tions. Since the face of the condenser toward the light source
is convex the light rays striking the outer portions of the con-
denser are largely reflected. This effect operates to cut down
the effective area of the condenser and is equivalent to reducing
the solid angle of light picked up. Since the corrugated con-
denser focuses the rays at a comparatively sharp angle a pro-
jection lens of wide aperture is essential if all the available light
on the film is to be projected to the screen. Where the "throw"
is long the focal length of the projection lens may be so
great that an appreciable portion of the light falls outside the
lens and hence is lost.

The Standard Planto Convex Condenser

With an incandescent lamp as a source of light the usual
arrangement of plano-convex condensers, Fig. 3, can be used to
get very good illumination of the screen and project pictures with
excellent detail even in the deep shadows. As the plano-convex
condensers are standard equipment on all motion picture ap-
paratus it is of undoubted advantage to use them with incan-
descent lamps as a source of light if their use does not entail a
loss of brightness or give other undesirable results on the
screen. It has been found by trial that there is more danger of
getting iridescent effects upon the screen with the plano-couvev
condenser system than with the corrugated condenser. However,
as has been previously stated, it is possible, by careful adjust-
ment of the light source with respect to the condensers, to get
a screen which is practically free of iridescent streaks.

The screen when illuminated by an incandescent lamp has
more of a yellowish tinge than when lighted by an arc. This is
due to the fact that there are more red rays and fewer violet
rays in the light from the tungsten filament than in the light
from the arc. This difference in color is not objectionable and

gives a picture less tiring to the eyes of the audience than is
obtained by the bluish white light of the arc. With the incan-
descent lamp, films tinted yellow or red show up very well, due
to the large proportion of red rays in the light.

Power Requirements

The Mazda lamps which have given excellent results in the
projection of motion pictures require from 600 to 900 watts, the
pressure at lamp terminals being in practically all cases about
30 volts and the current being 20 amperes in some cases, 25
amperes in others and in certain other lamps 30 amperes. The
higher current lamps give higher screen illuminations in almost
direct proportion to the watts required by the lamp. It may be
safely stated that the screen illumination obtained from a 750
watt special Mazda lamp will approximate that from a 40-ampere
direct-current arc. When the arc is perfectly trimmed it is pos-
sible to get a somewhat higher illumination than with the in-
candescent lamp but since the latter remains perfectly steady
and constant while the arc varies more or less during the time
a film is run, the effect produced is favorable to the Mazda
lamp.

The Mazda lamp will operate perfectly on an alternating cur-
rent circuit and hence requires only a transformer with several
taps to' give the proper voltage at the lamp. The power required
is therefore only that supplied to the lamp plus the transformer
losses which are so small as to be practically negligible. If the
lamp is operated from a direct-current circuit of no volts there
must be a rheostatic loss of more than twice the power required
by the lamp or a motor generator set must be used to supply
the pressure required at the lamp terminals. Hence, in the case
of a direct-current supply the Mazda lamp is almost at an equal
disadvantage with the arc, the only saving possible being due
to the smaller current required by the incandescent lamp. The
power saving is in this case about 25 per cent, to 50 per cent,
over the arc for similar effects on the screen.

As the incandescent lamp will give as good results when
operated on a 60-cycle alternating-current circuit as when oper-
ated on a direct-current circuit, it will meet a long felt want in
the 'motion picture theaters which have been operating with al-
ternating current arcs. The alternating current arc is inherently
very much inferior to the direct-current arc because no crater
is formed in one carbon, hence it is impossible to get as good

Film Objective"

Condensers

Fig. 3 — Piano-Convex Condenser System
a source of light for the condensing system. Also, as the arc
travels around on the carbon points and the intensity varies
with the current value during each cycle it is impossible to
maintain a uniform screen. The filament in the Mazda lamp
used for projection purposes is larger and has sufficient thermal
capacity to maintain an intensity essentially uniform. The au-
thor has had no experience with projector lamps on 25-cycle
and 40-cycle circuits but it is evident that screen illumination
free from flicker can be obtained with the Mazda lamps on
any commercial frequency.

Relative Costs for Lamps and Carbons

Exact data regarding the relative costs of arc lamp carbons
and incandescent lamps for motion picture projection are not
available at this time, owing to the incandescent lamp being in
the experimental- stage. The cost of carbons is variously esti-
mated at from 6 cents to 9 cents per hour of operation of the
machine. The cost of lamp renewals will probably not exceed
these costs and may be less. Even if the lamp renewal cost
equals or exceeds the carbon cost the advantage of economy of
operation will still be with the incandescent lamp on account of
the low power consumption.

Jink, 1916

ELECTRICAL

AGE

By Henry A. Davis

These switches described herein were built in the shops of
the Hudson Valley Ry. Co., at Glens Falls, N. Y. They are
absolutely sleet proof, and have given the best of satisfac-
tion for upwards of two years, since their installation. Also,
they are perfectly safe to operate. The following description
is of the switches controlling three, three phase 22,000 volt,
circuits at the Round Lake Sub-station at Round Lake, N.
Y., this being the first installation. One circuit comes from
the main generating station at Mechanicville, N. Y., one goes
to the Ballston Lake Substation of the Schenectady Ry. Co.,
and the third circuit feeds other substations of the Hudson
Vallev Ry. Co.

^ § * 1 2 bolts
I ron Cap

Connector Soldered
to Casting

Fig. 1

Cone Shaped Brass
Casting

Fig. 2

The frame for supporting these switches is built up of
three five-inch I beams, supported in a triangle on wish-
bone cross arms, fig I., bolted to wooden poles, the lower I
beam being about twelve feet from the ground. This frame is
thoroughly grounded, making the operation safe in any kind of
weather.

One side of the switch consists of a cone shaped brass
casting, hung from the upper I beam by an ordinary 22,000
volt, three petticoat, pin type, insulator, with a cast iron cap
cemented to the top (see "a" fig. 2) and a cast iron bushing,

■4 " Thread- A

WiWiWiliWiliW

Lug 'Skx'/z-'' Lj j4"

FIG. 3

Bend to Spring into Top Brass Cone

Rivet

% *i6 Phosphor bronze Spring

Bend to fit over Top of Insulator

■For tie Wire rig. 4

FIG. 4

threaded for y^ in. std. cap boltj leaded into the pin hole.
The cement for fastening cap and insulator together was com-
posed of 2 parts portland cement, and one part sand. The
bushing was leaded in as this was considered a stronger
way of fastening.

Common screw connectors were soldered into the brass
casting for connecting the line wires.

The other or movable member of the switch was mounted
on a ^ in. rod, arranged to move vertically through holes

"=57 Cast Iron Cap Ifc- »*

' 22000 m Insulator

Brass Cast Cap

PhosphonBronze Sprint is
■ Brass Cast Cap
ZZOOoV Insulator

6 "Compression Sprint j *-f

Fig. 5— Assembly of One Unit

in the flanges of the lower I beam. A lug on the rod passed
through a slot in the side of the lower hole of the I beam
and secured the switch in the upper or closed position by a
half turn.

The movable element proper consists of a 22,000 volt pin
type insulator, mounted on this rod by means of a % in-
bushing, on top of which was mounted a small cone shaped
brass casting (fig. 4) to which were riveted 3 phosphor bronze
springs which were also tied to the insulator by a soft copper
tie wire. Connection was made by a flexible cable extending
to insulators mounted on the third I beam.

These switches are operated by means of a wooden rod
about seven feet long with a cross handle on one end and
a right angle hook of % in. round iron in the other end. To
open the hook is inserted in the eye at the lower end of the
rod, given a half turn to disengage the lug and the lower ele-
ment dropped about 24 inches. A compression coil spring is
placed on each rod between the lower I beam and the switch
element to protect the insulator in case it should be dropped
while being operated.

The Switch-group in Plat

ELECTRICAL A G E

June, 1916

By Kennedy G. Rockworth

All construction gangs, and nearly every wireman and ere.tion
engineer, carry with them dies, taps, and the holders for cutting
screw threads. It is impossible to tell when these tools will
not be required, whatever the job. This is especially true ' n
emergency work on rheostats, the studs of various machines
and instruments, bus supports, etc., for it may not be necessary
to cut threads but only to run down them to remove a burr.

It often happens that the available space is so cramped and
other apparatus so much in the way, in fact, this is usually
found to be the case, that it is impossible to cut a thread in
place, but instead the metal must be removed, placed in a vice
on a bench and cut. After that it must be replaced before the
job is finished. All this work must be done because of insut
ficient room for turning the die holder round. This is not only
most annoying, but may be a very serious matter in cases of
break down and emergency, where each minute a machine is oat
of service may be costly to both company and customer.

To overcome this, one man, while for many years on the road,
installing electrical and hydraulic machinery for some of the
large manufacturing companies, used a home-made tool that
enabled him to do work in its place where others could not have
done so, because of the limitations of space. To do this he made
some dies from standard nuts, and in this way used a monkey
wrench, spanner, or other form of wrench where a die holder
or stock could not have been used. The first thing to do is to
select a number of steel nuts, the ordinary hexagonal nut is the
most convenient. Plug each nut with a piece of metal cut to the
same number of threads per inch as the nut. Screw this plug
into the nut so that on one side the two faces are flush. Now
mark off four equidistant points on the circumference of the
thread, and drill these out. The size of hole to employ depends
upon the diameter of the thread, of course, and to some extent
upon the metal to be cut. However, it is a safe guide to make
these clearance holes, the object of which is to permit the escape
of the metal as it is cut, about one-third the diameter of t^e
main hole or thread. After this has been done remove the
plug which was inserted to enable the drilling to be done. This
plug may be removed by drilling out or by unscrewing. The
next thing to do is to place the nut in a lathe and slightly taper
the thread, as is done with the ordinary die. Clean the threads
out, remove all burrs, and stamp the size, number of threads,
etc., on the top of the nut, for easy reference when in a burr}-.
The nuts should now be hardened, the method employed depend-
ing upon the steel used. The hardening had best be done by
a tool maker or properly equipped machine shop, all the other
operations being carried out by any ordinary mechanic.

This form of die is very simple to make, and can be quickly
done. Often it is possible to make such a tool on the job in
less time than the machinery can be taken down, threaded and
replaced. The chief advantage of this form of die over the
ordinary one is that it requires no holder. All that is needed
in this case is a monkey wrench or similar tool. Another ad-
vantage, and a very real one, in those classes of work where
a man has to hurry from job to job, in different parts of the
country, on a moment's call, is that the die is in one piece,
hence it is not possible to get different dies having a different
number of threads per inch interchanged, or the various parts
lost. A whole set of these dies or nuts may be strung upon a
wire and be safe and complete, whereas the other commercial
types usually have to be carried around in a box with the hold-
ers.

♦j» .♦♦ ♦$►

A manufacturer of shoes reports that by the use of electric
irons the average cost for repairing patent-leather shoes going
through his plant was reduced from 2J/2 cents per pair manu-
factured to 1^8 cents. Based on his production, this means a
daily saving of $13.75.

By Milton M. Flanders

Self excited rotary converters starting from the A; C. side
as induction motors usually have a break-up switch connected
in the field circuit, which is left open whent starting to limit
the voltage induced in the field turns. After the machine
"locks" in synchronism as shown by a steady reading on the
d.c. voltmeters, this switch is closed. The polarity on the d.c
side may not then be correct. To provide for this, the break
up switch, or another field switch, is usually made reversing,
so that the connections of the field may be reversed with re-
spect to the d.c. brushes. If the polarity is wrong when this
switch is closed in running position, the switch is quickly
reversed and after a short interval of time again thrown to
the running position when the d.c. polarity will usually be
correct, the armature having slipped a pole with respect to
the field.

Brush
Polarity- I
Normal V.

FIG 1

Armature N |S

With the field switch closed and the machine running in
synchronism, the armature may be considered to have poles
produced in it by the alternating current flowing in its wind-
ings. These armature poles reverse with the a.c. wave at
about the middle of the field poles as indicated in Fig. i,
torque being developed by attraction and repulsion of poles
as in any synchronous motor. The polarity of any given d.c.
brush depends on which side of the alternating current wave
it makes contact with, i. e., the positive or negative side.
Since the machine is self exciting, any given field pole may
build up either with a north or south polarity depending on
the instantaneous polarity of the a.c. wave at the time the
machine "locks in" since it is possible for any brush to be of
a positive or negative polarity.

Now, when the machine is running in synchronism, if the
field switch is reversed, the polarity of the field poles
immediately reverses and the armature begins to slip back-
ward to satisfy the laws of attraction and repulsion.

When the armature has slipped back one half pole with re-
spect to the field, the brushes are commutating at the zero
point of the a.c. wave and the field current and field mag-
netism become zero. If the armature continued to slip back-
ward, the brushes on the d.c. side would reverse their original
polarity since they would make contact with the a.c. wave

Brush
Polarity f
I ow Voltage

Brush
Polarity +
Normal V.

n \ s •; S I M N I S

FIG. 2 FIG. 3

on the opposite side with respect to the first position. This
cannot occur since the attraction and repulsion of armature
and field poles would oppose the natural direction of rota-
tion produced by the rotating field as shown by the dotted
letters in Fig. 2. For the same reason the armature cannot
return to its original position with respect to the field as the
field polarity would then be as indicated by the full line
letters in Fig. 2. In consequence the armature remains in
magnetic stability, the reversal of the armature poles occur-
ing nearly midway between the field poles. The losses of
rotation tending to retard the armature, this reversal takes
place nearer the trailing field pole as shown in Fig. 2 and as
indicated by a small reading on the d.c. voltmeter. Some
little time is required to establish this stability as when the
field connections are first reversed, the armature oscillates
back and forth in the magnetic field for a short time.

June, 1916

ELECTRICAL A^E

When the field switch is again placed in the running posi-
tion, the armature tends to slip the remaining half pole, the
field polarity builds up in the opposite direction to its original
value and the machine operates as at first but with reversed
polarity at the d.c. side, the laws of attraction and repulsion
satisfying the normal rotation of the field as shown in Fig. 3.
If this reversal of polarity does not take place, it may usually
be attributed to performing the cycle of operations too
rapidly or to making the reversals too slowly.

In large cities it often happens that a pole must be removed
and replaced by one having a greater height, more space or
increased strength because of the limitation imposed by heavier
load densities, etc. The work must be done without interrupting
the supply to the customers, without endangering the apparatus
or the lives of the men doing the work, and for as low a cost
as feasible.

It is not difficult moving a pole when it carries one or two
small circuits. It is a very different matter, however, when the
pole carries two three-phase, 2300-volt circuits, three single-
phase transformers of 25 kv-a. or more, and three lightning
arresters in addition to heavy secondary copper. To complicate
matters imagine that a 100-pair telephone cable is strung along
the same pole, and belongs to another company. Under the cir-
cumstances extreme care must be taken that the pole when being-
moved "off center" to make room for the new pole does not
tipover due to the pull of the cables acting with the weight of
the transformers ; or that any of the conductors be broken. Cur-
rent must be kept on the line at all times, of course. An inter-
esting way of doing this job, that is economical of time, and is
safe, is as follows :

Set pike poles to hold the pole that is in service. Dig the earth
away around this pole, removing additional earth from the side
to which the pole is to be moved until the other pole has been
set in place. When sufficient earth has been taken out, and to
the proper depth, lay two cross arms upon the earth, one each,
side of the pole and in such direction that they lie parallel to the
path of travel of the pole in its movement. Over these cross
arms place a roller, about six to ten inches in diameter. Many
line gangs possess special rollers wih "tommy holes" drilled
in them. This roller is laid across the cross arms on the side
of the pole nearest the direction of travel.

Now around the pole, and as low down as possible, fasten
a chain, bringing the loose end up and slinging it round the
roller, where it should be anchored. Men at the pike-poles must
now stands ready to help balance the pole should any unex-
pected strains occur.

Two men stand at the roller, each with a pinch-bar in his
hand. The one man inserts his bar into the roller and gives it
a turn toward the new temporary position the pole is to take.
When he has done this the other man places his bar in the
roller and holds the roller in this position until the first man
has taken a new position in the roller and given it one more
turn. The one man does the turning, the other one keeping
the roller in position each time. The men on the pike poles
are meanwhile watching their end of the job carefully, while
the foreman keeps his eyes upon the conductors, the slant of
the pole and other important details.

By moving a pole this way the pole is lifted and at the same
time moved over in the direction it is desired that it should go.
All possibility of breaking conductors and of the pole overbal-
ancing is obviated, provided proper care is taken. There is no
need for any service interruptions whatsoever.

When this pole is in its new position the new pole is put in
the hole formerly occupied by the old pole. It is raised and set.
The transformers, cross arms, arresters, etc., are then transferred
to the new pole from the old — a space of about two feet inter-
vening. When this has been done the old pole is taken out

and the ground tamped down good and solid. In this way a
difficult and dangerous job is made one of simplicity, safety and
economy.

.;. .;. »:«

By W. P. Anderson, President, The Ferro Concrete

Construction Co.

In many cases a property-owner, a superintendent, or an
electrical engineer wishes to calculate roughly the cost of some
proposed improvement before going to the trouble of calling
in a building contractor for a formal estimate. In such cases
it is well to have at hand some figures on the costs of rein-
forced concrete buildings, for that type of construction is being
very generally used for light manufacturing, for car-sheds and
for sub-stations. Many items in the cost of such buildings will
vary, but we may take as a basis a plain structure, with no fancy
exterior decorations, and as the principal items which go to
make up the cost, such as, walls, windows, floors, floor finish,
stairs, toilets and plumbing fixtures. The cost of excavation,
heating, lighting and elevators is so dependent upon each par-
ticular building that these items are omitted from the estimate.

The assumed load on the floors is 150 lbs. per sq. ft. with col-
umn spacing about 18 ft. on centers and story heights about 12
ft. We may estimate the base cost on a building 50 by 50
ft. as about $1.55 per sq. ft. of floor space. If the building ia
50 by 100 ft. this price would be reducd to $1.20. If 50 by 150
ft., it would be $1.12, and if 50 by 200 ft. it would be $1.07. In
all these cases the building is assumed to be from four to ten
stories high. A three-story building would cost somewhat
more but the difference would be very slight A two-story
building would cost from 10 to 12 per cent, more than these fig-
ures, and a one-story building from 15 to 20 per cent. more. A
decrease in the width of the building would increase the cost so
that for a width of 25 ft. instead of 50 ft. the unit cost would
be increased from 35 to 45 per cent. If, however, buildings
widths are increased the costs would be correspondingly de-
creased.

The effect of increasing or decreasing the floor load depends
on the height of the building. Obviously, there would be prac-
tically no change on a one-story building as the load comes
directly on the ground. In a six-story building the decrease in
cost for a 75-lb. load would be about twelve cents per square
foot of floor space. This figure would also about equal the
increase in cost if the live load was doubled.

The effect on the cost of varying the column spacing will not
be great. Where columns are spaced about 15 ft. apart the cost
will be about 6 per cent, greater than where columns are spaced
25 ft. apart both ways.

In giving these estimates of costs for reinforced concrete
buildings allowance has been made for two stairways and one
elevator tower for a building under 150 ft. in length, and two
stairways and two elevator towers for great lengths. Two
plumbing fixtures per floor are allowed for the first 5,000 sq. ft.
No allowance is made for any interior partition work except that
which would be necessary around stairs, elevator shafts and
toilets. Of course, these estimates are based on plain factory
buildings, and any attempt at decoration would naturally in-
crease the cost.

The percentage of window area to wall area will have but
little effect on the unit cost of the building. In figuring the
estimates given a steel sash window with ordinary glass has
been used. If wire glass should be found necessary the cost
would be considerably more than for plain wall.

A new subscriber gives his position as "Burglar". Perhaps
he finds this a profitable side-line to his regular business of
electrical contracting. "Electrical Age" tries to be of service
to its readers but it disclaims any intention of running a
series of articles on the theory and practice of house-robbery.

■———————■ ■»■■■■■— -»-—t——~—«— —— | ! || mamMirirn

Sl(giQl<g(l

®2 %^mms\
mAwsmm^ aaasftfilllatf

There is probably no one piece of electrical apparatus that is
used to a greater extent around a power plant than the rheostat.
It may take the form of a motor starter, a field rheostat, a
battery charging rheostat or a resistance for testing and other
purposes. It is the purpose of this article to describe in a prac-
tical manner the calculation and construction of rheostats for
power plant use from materials that can be easily obtained.
Commercial resistances are frequently made up from alloys
which have some advantages, but iron in the form of wire,
ribbon, or netting can be made up into resistance units that will
serve all practical requirements.

It is a well-known fact that currents of electricity flow
through some substances more easily than through others, the
relative ease of the passage of the current being termed con-
ductance. In making calculations, its reciprocal, resistance, is
universally used. A current of one ampere is maintained by
an electromotive force of one volt through a resistance of one
ohm. This is the familiar Ohm's law, which is expressed math-

E
ematically by the formula / = — , where / = current in amperes,

R
E = potential difference in volts, R = resistance in ohms.

A Wire-Netting Resistance

One of the cheapest forms of resistance to construct is made

Resistance^
O.OOSOhms.
Carrying Capacity =
JOOAmp.
Asbestos, Insulation Wire,
from Post.

| No. 19 Galv. Iron Wire

U-

up from wire netting and is shown in Figs, i and 2. This form
of resistance is suitable for large carrying capacities and com-
paratively low resistance. Wire netting with a one-inch mesh.

Brass Terminal Rod

Asbestos

'--Brace

B
■Angle Iron Frame -

.Brace Rod

■/•Ft.

Fig. 1

made up from No. 19 galvanized iron wire, and one foot in
width has a resistance of 0.005 ohms per yard and has a carry-
ing capacity of 100 amperes. This form of rheostat is conven-
ient for phantom loads, for use in connection with the electrical
method of thawing frozen water pipes, etc. It is best con-
structed by supporting the netting on insulated iron rods-
secured to an angle iron frame as shown at A in Fig. 2. Strips
of asbestos may be used over the rods for insulation. The first
and last rods, however, should be made of brass or bronze to
which the ends of the netting are secured by twisting the wire
ends and soldering. These two rods should be insulated from
the frame by fiber or porcelain bushings and provided with con-
nection lugs as shown in Fig. 1. The netting must be "on the
bias" as shown, otherwise the resistance and carrying-capacity
are much reduced. The iron rods, shown at C, Fig. 1, need not
be insulated from the frame as the asbestos strips serve the
purpose of insulating the wire netting. The manner of securing
the corners of the angle-iron frame is shown at B and consists
of a triangular-shaped piece of sheet iron riveted to the corners
as indicated. The two sides of the frame are held together by
a brace rod at each of the four corners as shown at C. The
assembled unit should be protected from mechanical injury by
fine-mesh wire netting.

Size of the frame will depend upon the resistance required and

June, kji6

ELECTRICAL AGE

its shape upon the place it is to be located. The calculations
are simple, but the resistance must be such that no more than
ioo amperes per foot of width will flow through the wire netting.
Ohm's law states that / = E -s- R and R .— E -*- I, therefore for
a no-volt circuit and a current of ioo amperes the resistance
should be equal to R = no ^- ioo = i.i ohms. Then I.i divided
by the resistance of the wire netting per yard, 1. 1 -=- 0.005 = 22
yards or 66 feet, the required length. Netting of varying widths
may be used to secure various resistances and carrying capaci-
ties. Thus 22 yards of netting 2 feet wide has a carrying
capacity of 200 amperes, but the resistance will be but half of
the netting one foot in width, or I.I ' h- 2 = 0.55 ohms. This
illustrates the principle that the current varies inversely as the
resistance. Now let it be assumed that the resistance is to be
used on a 220-volt circuit and have the same carrying capacity,

Stud

gggggg

—

_..

-_-...

■Pipe

Suspension
Bracket

that is, 100 amperes, the netting to be one foot wide. The resist-
ance must be R = E -*- / = 220 -=- 100 = 2.2 ohms. Now as
/' = E -5- R it will be seen that double the length of netting
must be used for 220-volt circuits in comparison for the length
recpiired for no- volt circuits, or 44 yards will be required in-
stead of 22 yards, in order to limit the current to 100 amperes.

Sheet Iron Spiral Resistances

Sheet iron ribbon wound in the form of a spiral and insu-
lated with asbestos forms a hardy and convenient resistance
unit. The ribbon may be sheared from large sheets of metal.
The form for holding the coil is composed of two sheet iron
spiders separated by a section of pipe and held together by a
stud, and povided with a supporting bracket, as shown in Fig. 3.
The ribbon is shown for only one quadrant of the spool.
The resistance ribbon may be calculated by figuring the section-
al area in comparison to that of wire. For example, if the wire
has a sectional area of 0.25 in., the ribbon must be of such
thickness and width that the product of the two dimensions
will equal 0.25 in.

1 'Porcelain Insulator

. Resistance Coils

115 4 5
Fig. 4

Open Wire Coils

One of the most common forms of resistance units consists
of wire wound into coils and supported in various ways. Wires
larger than No. 6 B & S gage are difficult to wind in spiral
form and wires smaller than No. 21 B & S gage must be wound
on an insulated core. To obtain larger carrying capacity than

that of No. 6 wire, several coils must be connected in multiple.
A convenient form of construction for a coil rheostat is shown
in Fig. 4 and consists of two sheet iron end pieces connected by
four corner rods over which porcelain insulators are placed. The
wire coils are stretched from one rod to another and the various
units connected by lead wires to contacts or switches as shown
at the right-hand side. It will be noted that various combina-
tions and capacities may be secured by connecting the various
sections in series or in multiple

Knob for Handle

Slide

Fig- 5

"Slide-wire" Resistances

Another form of resistance, Fig. 5, consists of end pieces sup-
porting an iron pipe with caps. The pipe is covered with as-
bestos and the resistance wire is wound with the screw-cutting
motion of a lathe. A small space is left between the convolutions.
The end pieces support an iron or brass rod, insulated from
the frame, on which a metal slide with brushes bearing on the
resistance wire, is free to be moved backward and forward.
Any resistance from the maximum to the minimum of the coil
can be secured by the adjustment of the slide.

Carbon Compression Type Resistances

Figure 6 illustrates a carbon rheostat which consists of an
angle iron frame, a stationary and a movable iron plate, a screw
provided with a suitable handle, and a quantity of arc lamp

Fig. 6

carbons from which the copper coating has been removed by
soaking in a bath of weak sulphuric acid.

The bottom side and the four upright sides of the frame
should be filled with sheet asbestos or similar insulating material
and the carbons laid in horizontally as shown in the bottom ot
the box of the diagram. Carbon will carry about 125 amperes
per square inch and the resistance may be roughly varied over
wide ranges by changing the height of the carbon pile. The
fine adjustment of the resistance is obtained by varying the ten-
sion on the upper plate by means of the screw and handle. One

ELECTRICAL AGE

June,, 1916

lead is connected to the upper plate and one lead to tne lower
plate.

When any kind of resistance elements are to be enclosed,
0.5 to one square inch should be allowed per watt dissipated
by the resistance. With good ventilation and about one square
inch per watt the temperature of the resistance will not rise
above about 100 deg. C. (212 deg. F.) if the calculations have
been properly made.

Shunts for Series Fields

Series-field shunts for direct-current, compound-wound gen-
erators and motors are compactly made up from one or more
sheets of resistance ribbon shaped in the form of a grid as shown
in Fig. 7. The turns are separated by insulating blocks and
are held tightly in place by wire bands. Suitable copper ter-
minals are riveted and soldered to the ends of the ribbon.

t Zl

\Re si stance? 1
1 V 1

\ i

k „-~H

Wood Blocks 1

t 1

1 "

Fig. 7

Liquid Resistances

Liquid rheostats are convenient for high resistances. For
small currents amalgamated zinc electrodes submerged in a weak
solution of zinc sulphate are suitable. Liquid rheostats are es-
pecially adapted to the absorption of large amounts of power
and are frequently used as an artificial load when testing newly

' Other end of rope
attached to Coun
weight

Wood-''1
Strips

■ Barrel

.Sheet Metal
Concentric Cylin-
ders

Fig. 8

erected generators, or as temporary starters for large motors.
Adjustments are continuous but the plates must be externally
conducted with a switch to cut out the resistance entirely. There
is no special importance attached to the selection of the elec-
trode material hut it is essential that it be a good conductor
and if it is intended for permanent use, that it should not be
attacked by the liquid. For sulphuric acid solutions, lead or
carbon plates are used, copper is used with copper sulphate
solutions but iron is most frequently employed. The current
density in the electrodes should not exceed one ampere per
square inch of material. The voltage and the necessary quantity
of liquid to radiate the heat will determine the solution. For
voltages under 1,000 pure water is seldom used. For lower
voltages salt or sulphuric acid is added to the water to increase
the conductivity. At a density of one ampere per square inch
of electrode, water gives a drop in electromotive force of
from 2,500 to 3,000 volts for each inch of gap between elec-
trodes. A ten per cent, solution of sulphuric acid and water
has more than five times the conductivity of copper sulphate and
water. For each horsepower absorbed continuously in a liquid
rheostat, from 400 to 800 cubic inches of solution should be
provided. For motors about 20 cubic inches should be used for
starting and about 60 cubic inches for running.

Liquid rheostats can be made up in many forms. Fig. 8
shows a simple and inexpensive design consisting of a barrel
on a platform with an upright support for a crank and pulley
for raising and lowering one of the concentric metal cylinders
forming the electrodes. The stationary metal cylinder is con-
nected to one lead and the movable electrode to the other lead.
At least four wood strips should be attached to the inside of the
stationary electrode and extending some distance above it, to
guide the movable electrode. Care must be taken that the at-
taching screws do not pass through the wood. Maximum cur-
rent will flow when one cylinder is enclosed by the other, as at
this point the resistance is reduced to a minimum. An equally
satisfactory arrangement employs a small manhole-cover in the
bottom and a similar cover suspended by chains attached at
three points and converging to a rope which passes up to the
pulley.

Calculation of a Rheostat

To illustrate' the calculations of a metallic resistance assume
that it is desired to make a resistance for an arc lamp rated
at 80 volts and 5 amperes at the arc. The lamp is to burn on a 110-
volt circuit. Sufficient resistance must be provided to provide for
a drop of 110-80 = 30 volts. Resistance of the arc by ohm's law =
£-=-/ = 80-^-5 = 16 ohms. Then the resistance required for
the 30-volt drop will be, R — 30 -v- 5 = 6 ohms. As electro-
motive force varies directly with the resistance this can be
solved by the simple proportion 80 volts : 30 volts : : 16 ohms :
x ohms, x = 6 ohms. For iron wire about 250 circular mils
per ampere should be allowed. Then 250 X 5 = 1250 circular
mils, the required size of wire, which corresponds nearly to a
No. 18 wire. Iron wire of this size (EBB) has a resistance of
140.8 ohms per mile, or 140.8 -*- 5280 = 0.026 ohms per foot.
The required resistance is 6 ohms, then 6 -r- 0.026 = 230 feet
approximately. If the wire is wound on a ^2-inch mandrel the
length per turn will be 0.16 feet. There will be approximately
9 turns to the inch, or 0.16 X 9 = 1.44 feet per inch. 230 feet
divided by 1.44 equals the required length of the finished coil in
inches = 159 or approximately 13.2 feet. The maximum length
of a coil of No. 18 wire wound ona ^ inch mandrel should be
about 12 inches so that 13 coils can be connected in series to
meet the requirements. Resistances for any purpose are simi-
larly figured.

4. 4* +

"Preparedness" is being not only preached by practiced on the
drill ground by employees of the Union Electric Light and Pow-
er Company of St. Louis. Uniforms are furnished by the com-
pany and rifles by the United States Government. General Man-
ager A. C. Einstein is sponsor of the movement.

|u\K. [Ql6

LECTRICAL AGE

A transformer for ringing bells, fed from no-volt, 60-
cycle alternating-current and designed to give four volts on
secondary side has been made according to sketch given be-
low.

When in operation, however, there is an annoying varia-
tion in the sound of the buzzer which is quite different to the
effect given when operating the same buzzer with a 4-volt
dry cell. Can you suggest what the trouble is and how it
can be remedied? C. K.

4 Volt
Secondary
No. 20 Section

Sheet
Iron Core
i"x 41"

Answering C. K.'s query about the unsatisfactory perform-
ance of his bell transformer, the trouble would appear to be
due to voltage variation in the buzzer circuit. The design of
the transformer is inherently bad; due to the large air-gap
in the magnetic circuit, and the small cross-section of the
iron, the magnetic flux will be small. Hence there will be a
large no-load current in the primary winding. As the second-
ary is placed against the end of the primary, the leakage be-
tween the two will be large. When current is drawn from
the secondary, its voltage will drop considerably, and this
variation in voltage may be the cause of the trouble. The
remedy is to re-wind the transformer, using a core about an
inch square made of soft iron wires whose ends project from
the coils enough for them to be bent around and interlaced.
The secondary should be wound over the primary, not be-
side it. M. S. McK.

Question: A small single-phase plant supplies power at it8o
volts to two sets of feeders. The first receives 247 kw. and
the second 183 kw. The current supplied to the first is 274 amps,
and to the second 163 amperes, (a) what is the equivalent ad-
mittance of the first load; (b) what is the equivalent conductance
of the same; (c) what is the equivalent susceptance of the
same; (d) what is the equivalent conductance of both loads;
(e) what is the total equivalent susceptance of both loads; (f)
what is the total equivalent admittance of both loads; (g) what
is the total current supplied by the plant; (h) at what power
factor is the plant operating?

Resistance (R) Conductance(g) Power Current(lp)

Watts Total Current g

Power Factor ~ YoHs xAmperes ~ Power Current = ~

The circuit drawing shows the operation conditions, and ref-
erence to the drawings will make clear the formulas used. All
triangles are similar right triangles i. e., all angles are equal,
hence the ratio of any two sides is the same for all.

E f I

Since / = — , and Y — — , Y — — , or for circuit No. I,
Z Z E

277

Admittance Y = = .2348

1 180

247000

Power Factor Pf = = .729

1 180 X 277
Conductance ((/) Y X Pf = .2348 X .729 = .1713
Susceptance (b) = y (F2 — g-) — .161

By the definition of conductance, /p = Eg = 1180 X. 171.3 =
202 amps and by the definition of susceptance, 7W = E b =
1180 X .161 = 190 amps.
For circuit #2, P f = .951.
Power component of current 7P = 7t • P f = 155 amps.

Wattless component of current, 7W= 7 0 I

V *\ — /"=50. 5 amps.

To find the total current flowing in the generator circuit,
we add the power and wattless currents separately, then take
the square root of the sum of their squares :

Power component, 202 + 155 = 357 amp.

Wattless comp., 190 + 50.5 = 240.5 amp.

Total current = »/-,e-.>
v 35/-

+ 240.5- = 431 amp.

.828, and

Then power Factor of plant as a whole =-Cw=_

/t 431

r* j ■* P 35/ 7\v

Conductance g — -v. = tjqq = -30o Susceptance g = -p- = .204
Admittance Y

g> + b- = .367

By J. P. A rmstrong

The wire-chief of a large city telephone exchange received
one day a complaint from a subscriber that his line was so
noisy he could not use it. There was no doubt of the fact;
while they were talking there was a roar like a klaxon horn,
which made hearing impossible. But the wire chief recog-
nized the dots and dashes of the wireless code and knew at
once what he had to solve.

Cable
Terminal Box.

Telephone Line

To Telephone To Telephone

Part if "J" Party "R"

Water Pipe

6a 5 Pipe

The line tested clear of grounds, and the records showed
it to be a party line with two telephones connected. The
aerial lines from the cable terminal ran for some little dis-
tance in opposite directions to the subsribers' premises. In-
spection showed that there was no direct leakage from the
wireless telegraph aerials into the system, but that the wire-
less station and one of the telephone lightning arresters were
grounded to the same street gas main, while the other ar-
rester was connected to an entirely different pipe-line. On
the supposition that the 60-cycle high-tension current of the
wireless stationj in seeking a better ground connection, was
flowing from one pipe to another through the telephone line,
the wire-chief disconnected one of the telephone grounds
and immediately the noise ceased.

Electrically, what was happening is shown in the diagram.
With every half-wave of the high-frequency side of the wire-
less set, the aerials were charged positively or negatively with
respect to the ground. The charging current, amounting to

II LEGTRI-G A L A (J II '

June, rgi6«

several amperes, was impeded by one or more high-resistance
joints and so a small part of it jumped the air gap in both
protectors on its way to ground in the distant water-main.
The remedy was to connect the wireless station's ground
to the water system, and both telephone grounds to the gas
system, when the trouble disappeared.

In every plant, no matter how completely motorized, there
are belt drives. This is due to the fact that existing plants
have been changed from belt and line shaft drives, and have
used the cheapest means of connecting motors to their old
mach'nery. Moreover, belts drives give an element of flexi-
bility which is desirable in certain cases. The disadvantage
of belt drive is the ever-present slip, with its waste of power
and wear on the belt. Only careful maintenance can avoid
this, but how few men will give it! There is nothing to
show up a slip of a few per cent, but it all comes out of the
coal pile and a careless maintainer can waste a lot of money
in a year. Just how expensive a slip can be is evident by the
example worked out below.

#I.00T|%

1.50-

2.00- -2

^2.50

< 5.00"
O

O Q-

O
H

*-> 4.00+4

^.00: ;

6.00:: 6

7.00

8.00

-- 1.00

:: ?

A.C\

t\)

150

200

500^
.,400^

500

1000

1500
2000

5000

'-'- 4000
5000

if 10000

IOt

20::

?of

50
60
70
60
90
100

ce 200

UJ
O-

y 5oov

I 400

3 600
700 ■■
800
900
1,000

v 15,00 ;■

2,000>.
2,500

5,000 - ;

4,000

5,000 ::
6,000
7,000
&.000 ■■
9,000
10.000

Let us assume that all the power used passes through a
belt from engine to generator, and from motors to machines,
and that there is 2% slip at each pulley. As there are four
pulleys through which each watt must pass, there is a total
loss of 8%.

Let us further assume that 2000 tons of coal are burned

per year in this factory, and that the cost of the coal is $3.00-
per ton. What is the cost of the belt slip per year?
First join the $3.00 (column A) with this 2,000 tons
(column E). Note the point of intersection in column D.
Now join that point of intersection with the 8% slip (column
B). The resulting cost is found at the intersection with
column C and is $480 per year.

These figures are not exaggerated in order to make them:
emphatic. $480 per year is a serious enough loss to attract
the attention of any factory or mill superintendent. There
should be no slip at all. Slip is usually easy to stop. If it
cannot be stopped there is something wrong with the design-
of the drive and alteration should be made.

To compute the loss under other conditions, any straight
edge may be used, but the best form is one made by draw-
ing a line with a sharp point on a transparent celluloid tri-
angle. The line makes close contact with the paper, and
there is no annoying refraction as is the case at the edge of
such a ruler.

The advantage of using motors made by the same manufac-
turers can hardly be better demonstrated than by the following:
example. The cap of the oil well at the pulley end of the
shaft, by some mishap, got between the bearing housing and'
the armature winding, completely destroying the latter. It was-
a 4-horse power, 220-volt, d.c. motor driving a small isolated
laundry. The repair shop was asked to supply a motor while-
the damaged motor was being repaired. The best that could
be done was to furnish a 3 horse power motor of the same type-
and make. The damaged motor was mounted on a platform so-
close to the ceiling that a chain fall could not be used to lower
it, and the laundry machinery was so arranged that the extra
motor could not be set on the floor and belted to the line shaft.
As the two motor frames and armature appeared to be about
the same size the three horse power armature was tried in the
4 horse power frame and it fit perfectly. The speed of the-
line shaft was reduced by putting a smaller pulley on the three
horse power armature so that it could not be overloaded. The
working day of the laundry men was increased about three
quarters of an hour. The load was carried in this manner for
two weeks without the slightest difficulty. R. L. H'ervey.

♦ »!« ♦

Our motor-driven railroad turn table is located about 200>
yds. from the power house As we have only one engineer we
are obliged to shut down at the noon hour, and if an engine has
to be moved, the engineer must be notified to keep the plant
running. I connected a lamp to the ground and a single pole
switch between lamp and line wire in the cab on the turn table.
When power is wanted a few minutes at noon to finish work
the operator turns the switch which throws a light ground on
one wire. The ground lamp on the board in power house lights-
and remains until the work is completed when the operator
throws switch off, which notifies the engineer that work is fin-
ished. The engineer always looks at the switch-board before
he shuts down. Another ground on the lines of course would
interfere but this has happened only once in a year, in which
case the operator notified the engineer verbally. E. S. Norton.

One of the automobile manufacturers is now using electricity
to heat the steel truck tires that must be expanded before-
being shrunk on wooden wheels. The tires are placed in an
annular steel tub which is part of a transformer, the tires be-
coming secondary, and they are brought uniformly to a red heat?
in about three minutes. These tires are about ten inches wide
by one-half inch thick and 36 inches in diametei

,,,,,,,.,....

,,.„,..„ ,,.,

No matter how prosperous a community gets, there are nearly
always vacant stores.

These stores are a big liability from every standpoint. They
mean loss to the owner, who is paying taxes, insurance and other
overhead expenses without any revenue ; they mean loss to the
central station, which is missing business it might logically ex-
pect to be handling ; and it gives the town a black eye, because
a vacant store is a sign of failure, actual or potential.

Any plan which will help, in the first place, to make vacant
stores look less unattractive, and in the second place will make
them productive and in the third place will develop their capacity
lantern. The reason people say that the location is dead is
because you've created that impression by keeping the building
dark. There's no chance to rent it unless it is lighted."

So, in spite of the fact that the costs pertaining to the property
were already exceedingly burdensome, the owner decided, after
making arrangements with the real estate agent to handle the
proposition, to permit it to be illuminated after dark, provided
the expense was not prohibitive. So the task of the agent was
to get the lighting company interested in making a special rate
for earnings, is a good plan.

That is the sort of stunt which was recently worked in an
Ohio Valley city, and because it has suggestions which are
applicable to every other community, it is being described here.

The building in question is a big four-story mercantile struc-
ture on the corner of an important thoroughfare in a city of
250,000. The intersection, as a matter of fact, is one of the two
most important in the city. The traffic is heavy, and the value
of. the property is high, accordingly. The building itself was
erected only a few years ago, and represents an investment of
about $75,000.

A Building Hard to Rent

Until recently it had been a white elephant in the hands oi
the owner, who was beginning to get tired of paying all of the
fixed charges with never a red cent return. But one tenant
had occupied the structure — a clothing merchant — and he had
failed in six months, leaving among his other liabilities an item
of unpaid rent. So that at the time referred to the owner
was beginning to feel that he had plucked the largest and juciest
lemon in the whole broad field of real estate investments.

About that time he was solicited by a young real estate man,
who thought he could rent the property. The real estater, as
Montague Glass would call him, is a bright young man with a
good sense of publicity values. After dickering with the owner
for a time, the latter inquired :

"What would you do first of all in order to rent that building?"

"I'd light it up," was the quick reply. "It's so dark on that
corner now that you're likely to fall down if you haven't got a
for current. He interviewed the commercial manager of the
company, presented his proposition, and ended thus :

"The normal revenue to your company from that building, if
it was rented, is $200 a month, based on the consumption of

current by the former tenant. Therefore the longer it is not
in use, the longer you are losing that $200 of business. It's as
much a selling problem for you as it is for me. Why not co-
operate with me in order to help get that space into use, making
it productive to you and to the owner of the property?"

The commercial agent can see through the hole in the pro-
verbial mill-stone, and after pondering the suggestion, he ad-
mitted that there was something in what had been said.

"We would certainly like to see the building rented," he
admitted, "and we are willing to do something to assist in bring-
ing that about. Now, if you will give us the use of the display,
windows, we will keep them lighted without cost to you."

Making Use of the Display Windows

The agent willingly agreed to this, and the commercial man-
ager promptly began looking about for a means to use the win-
dows. These ran around the building on both sides, of course,,
offering 150 feet for display purposes. Here was an exceptional
opportunity for somebody to take advantage of. The central
station man, after considering the subject from all angles,
decided that the people who could make most profitable use of
the space were the local dealers. Most of them had stores off the
main thoroughfare, and it was likely that displaying some of their
goods would help to get sales, and in this way still further
increase the consumption of electric current.

The commercial manager selected three dealers. One was put-
ting on an electric toaster campaign ; another had a washing-
machine which he was advertising in the newspapers, and the
third was in the electric sign business, and of course had plenty
of display material which could be used to feature that depart-
ment. When they were offered 50 feet apiece for use in the
promotion of their business, they fell over themselves accepting
the offer. The only conditions was that they provide the lamps.
How the Situation Was Lined Up

The owner put in as his stake the use of his building;

The central station furnished the current ;

The dealers provided the lamps and made the displays.

Each was giving something, but nobody was assuming all of
the expense, and the possible results to each one of the three
interests were so much greater than the investment that the
proposition looked mighty attractive all around. The dealers
probably got the best of it, because window display space on a
down-town street in a big city is valuable, the average drug-
store with less than a 10-foot frontage frequently selling its
windows for $50 apiece per week. So the dealers were getting
at least that much value out of the display facilities, at a cost
represented only by the possible expense of lamp maintenance
and the labor of transporting and setting up their displays.

It is always pleasant to be able to record the success of a
good idea, and this one went big, as the vaudeville people have
a habit of saying. The dealers got a lot of inquiries for elec-
trical goods, and the real estate man did not have to lose any
time before being able to work on prospects for the building.

ELECTRICAL AGE

June, 1916

In fact, as soon as the windows were lighted up, the agent was
asked what was going on. He replied frankly that it was a
publicity plan, pure and simple, and that all that was desired was
to let the public know that the building was on the map, and
that it was available for renting purposes.

A real estate man only needs prospects to get business, and
thirty days after the stunt was put on, the leading piano concern
of the city signed a lease. This, remember, was after the build-
ing had been vacant for two years. Good merchandising skill,
plus the right kind of publicity — electric lighting — had done in
one month what other methods had failed to accomplish in
twenty-four. And the central station is going to realize on its
investment in current much sooner than it would have developed
revenue had it not been willing to co-operate in this way.

How the Scheme Worked

"The plan was a big success," said the commercial manager
in discussing the details of the proposition, which attracted con-
siderable attention in electrical circles in that city. "We are im-
pressed more than ever with the fact that every vacant building,
especially a business building, is a loss to us, because it might
be made to produce a revenue in the form of the consumption
of electric current. That the central station is interested in lend-
ing its facilities to secure the rental of these buildings seems to
me to be apparent.

"We are now considering offering special inducements to own-
ers and agents to use current in the illumination of vacant stores,
in the way that we did with the structure we have been discus-
sing, provided that we get the use of the windows. We can
always arrange some sort of business-getting exhibit, and in this
way co-operate with the electrical dealers, most of whom can
use all of the advertising space they can get. Such a plan kills
two birds with one stone, inasmuch as it helps us to sell current
through renting the building and also through promoting the
sale of electrical appliances of various kinds. In addition, of
course, it builds good-will with the owners of the buildings and
with the dealers, a factor which is too important to be over-
looked."

Meanwhile, the real estate man who put over the big deal has
been so enthused over the possibilities that he has since purchased
a number of transparent electric signs advertising his firm,
for use in the windows of other vacant stores. He has found
these to be inquiry-getters.

One of the sources of annoyance in the meter department of
every central-station company is the customer who is "out"
when the meter-reader calls. At least one more trip must be
made to pick up this reading, and usually it will be a long trip,
for all the other meters in the vicinity will have been read at
the regular time. A method of avoiding the expense of a
second trip has been used by a number of companies with
Folio ^___- 191

Our meter reader called to read your meter No but was

unable to gain admission. Will you please mark on the dial below the exact position of
the hands on your meter, and promptly mail this card. The index as reported bv you will
be .used lor rendering your bill this month.

The above represents position of hands

f^"If you prefer to have the reading taken by us. kindly advise date and ho
You may read my meter on 191 _ . at

success. A return postal card, printed as shown in the illustra-
tions, is mailed to the customer when the meter-man turns in his
report. According to the Narragansett Lighting Company, of
Providence, R. I., about 57 per cent, of the cards bring replies.
For these there is but the cost of clerical labor, printing and
postage, the total of which is very much less than that of
sending a man to read the meter. The New York & Queens

Electric Company also makes use of this method. They find that
errors, accidental or otherwise, are made occasionally, so that
they do not send a card to the same customer twice in succession.
At the time of the second reading any error can readily be
adjusted without offense. The information on how to read

HOW TO READ YOUR METER.

You undoubtedly verify your household bll
goods for which you pay. This Company is anxious

Th<

dials

uld check your (
illustration shot

iach division of the right-hand dial
epresents one kilowatt hour. To.
cad tlus dial, lake the figure that the
land passed last. In the illustration
t is 3. Read the next dial to the
left. In the illustration it reads 2. Likewise read the other dials to tlic left, which read in
the illustration 4 and 6 respectively. H vou will read your meter in the same manner it will
give you the reading of your meter in kilowatt hours. Subtract from this figure the index of
your last bill and the difference will be the kilowatt hours used between the two dates.

NARRAGANSETT ELECTRIC LIGHTING CO.

Courtesy "Edison Sales Builder"
meters is of value to subscribers of a cautious turn of mind
who want, to be sure they are not being overcharged. To the
average person, an integrating wattmeter seems hopelessly in-
comprehensible, and any device which may show him that it can
readily be understood will make him feel that he is at least not
utterly dependent on the word of the meter-reader.

At one of the monthly meetings of the Louisville Gas &
Electric Company, Mr. Emile Pilpel told an interested audience
of some of the methods he uses for increasing the connected
load in show windows and interior store lighting. Mr. Pilpel
stated that it was a difficult matter for him to say how a sales-
man should approach a prospective customer in his district,
for every different class of business man has to be handled so
differently. As an illustration he described approaching an old
lad.y^ who ran a little shop on one of the streets out of the
line of traffic where eggs and butter were sold. The shop was
illuminated very dimly with carbon lamps. He spent some time
trying to persuade the old lady to substitute large nitrogen lamps
to replace the small carbon units, but was unable to convince
her that the increased illumination would have sufficient sales
value to justify the expenditure. Therefore he got her permis-
sion to try a little experiment. He placed one case of eggs on
the sidewalk at one side of the entrance over which he hung a
carbon lamp and put a sign over the eggs reading "Fresh Eggs
— 25c per Dozen." On the other side of the doorway he placed
another case of the same eggs over which he hung a bright nitro-
gen lamp and a sign reading "Fresh Laid Eggs — 27c per Doz-
en." Then he stood in the background and watched the proceed-
ings, and every one' who came near walked over to the bright
light and bought the eggs labeled "Fresh Laid Eggs" and paying
for them at the rate of 27c per dozen. During the evening the
old lady sold out that .entire stock and none had been sold out
of the other one. By this demonstration he convinced his cus-
tomer of the sales value of illumination.

A means of increasing the good-will of the community for
his company, as well as bringing patrons into closer touch has
been developed by Manager Coffy, of the Everett, Washington,
Gas Company. It is a plan which is even more applicable to
the sale of electrical devices for household use, for it will draw
especial attention to the cleanliness and coolness of electric
cooking. Says Mr. Coffy :

"A large percentage of the patrons of a gas company never
visit the office, as they settle their monthly accounts by check
through the mail. This class of patrons generally includes the
company's best customers and those financially able to keep the
most modern and up-to-date appliances. If it were possible to
place before these customers in a favorable way the latest de-
signs in gas ranges as well as water heaters, both automatic and
tank, and small appliances, there is no doubt but that a gratify-.

June, [916

ELECTRICAL AGE

ing number could be sold. As a means of overcoming this
situation we have been offering part of the space in the front
of our office, including one show window, to various churches
for holding sales of food stuffs. Since starting this five weeks
ago there has been a sale every Saturday with from two to eight
women in attendance besides the number of buyers who come
through advertising given the sale through the press and pulpit.
Through this means we are getting people in our office who have
not been there for years and when once in will almost invariably
look over the various appliances we have on display. An excel-
lent example of the value of these sales occurred last Thursday
when the ladies of Trinity Episcopal Church held a sale of hot
cross buns for Good Friday. One of the members of the con-
gregation came in with her husband and almost before making her
purchase of buns became enthusiastic over a $40.00 range with
enamel trimmings and glass oven doors. This couple was in the
office but a short time but before leaving signed an application
order for the range. Besides the value of this plant as a sale
stimulator it is also of extreme value in securing the good will
of all those with whom we thus have a chance to come in con-
tact. It has been somewhat difficult to get this started as the
churches could not understand why we were willing to do so
much for them. At the present time we believe that as soon
as the churches understand the proposition we will have the
space engaged for weeks ahead. Besides giving such space
as they need for their sale we connect a gas range in the win-
dow for their cooking and donate the gas they require."

show a loss. By the use of a corrugated paper mailing-case the
Rochester Railway & Light Company, of Rochester, N. Y., has
been able to make deliveries by parcel post in a most satisfactory
manner. The case is made of a single piece of double-back
corrugated paper board, of the weight called "parcels post stock."
It is seamed with gummed tape and the ends are left open. Three
sizes are used, all of which are 6 in. high and 11% in. long, the
dimensions of the standard lamp carton. The sizes are 3, 6, and
9 in. wide accommodating respectively one, two, and three car-
tons. The cases may be wrapped in paper or merely tied with
twine. No printing appears on the case.

Pre-canceled stamps are used to save unnecessary handling by
the postal clerks and the jar of the cancelling operation. The
post office has co-operated most heartily in securing prompt and
safe delivery, and the losses from breakage has been negligible.
On an average, 6,500 lamps per month are delivered in this
manner.

This would seem to be an excellent method for all who have
lamp-(leliveries to make. Such cases can be made by any manu-
facturer of cardboard boxes ; an average figure for those used in
Rochester is $25.00, $35.00 and $50.00 for the sizes given. At
slight additonal cost advertising matter may be printed on the
cases, or some design similar to that used on Mazda lamp car-
tons.

The vast number of advertisements which nowadays seek to
capture the potential buyer's attention have made it necessary
to use every artifice of the showman to gain a hearing. For
window displays the element which really carries the sales-mes-
sage home is the show-card. If it bears a catchy phrase, its
chances of being read are all the better. For live dealers who
want to make their windows pull in trade, these phrases, worked
up by the Society for Electrical Development will have a very
timely value :

A cool feature for a hot day. (Fans)

A breezy thing for a hot day. (Fans)

A daily advantage. (The Wired Home)

Built to do business. (Motor)

Comfort suggests them. (Fan or Range)

Cost is trifling. (Wiring)

Be good to your eyes. (Lighting/

Cooking comfort at small cost. (Appliances)

A touch and there's heat — another touch — gone,

Clean — Simple — Safe. (Electric Range)

Start the summer right. (Electric Fan or Range)

Simple in construction — always read)'. (Washer)

The thing for spring cleaning. (Electric Cleaner)

Made of the best materials, put together by people who

know how. (General)
Very easy to own. (Appliance on deferred payments)
Worth while in warm weather. (Range; Fans, etc.)
Your money is simply on deposit here until you are perfectly

pleased. (General)
Sure it's warm, but here's the remedy. (Fans)
Cool things for torrid days. (Fans)

The foundation of a comfortable home is electric service.
Rich, clear — fragrant coffee — the real "starter" for the
day's work. (Percolator)

The problem of delivering lamps to consumers is one of im-
portance to every central station which sells them. Usually
the profit on the transaction is small or entirely absent, so that
it is necessary to make every possible economy in order not to

This display used by the New York Edison Company, takes
advantage of timely interest in Flag Day

The St. Marks Hospital of Salt Lake City- Utah, has a set
of four dumb waiters running from the basement to the first,
second and third floors carrying food from the kitchen to
the various wards. Great difficulty was encountered in keep-
ing the food warm from the time it left the kitchen until it
arrived at its destination.

Mr. Chadron, general manager of the hospital, gave the
problem careful study and finally designed and had built
several portable wagons. These wagons accommodate 26
trays and are arranged with sliding doors that make them
practically air tight. A Western Electric Navy Type Air
Heater is mounted on the bottom of the wagon with a cord
and plug attachment capable of being connected ten feet
from the wagon. An hour before each meal the various heat-
ers are connected to a source of electric current so that at
meal time the interiors of the wagon are satisfactorily heated.

5«

LE.CTPICAL A G, E

JUNE. 19 10

.After the wagons are loaded with the trays of food, the heat-
ers are disconnected and the whole contrivance is placed on
the elevator and raised to its destination where the heater
is again connected to a source of current supply and remains
so until the last tray is removed.

The new system is in constant operation and it is found
to work perfectly — the food is served to the patients quite as
warm and palatable as when it left the kitchen range. The
installation has been the object of favorable comment in hos-
pital circles.

The Denver Gas & Electric Light Company is conducting an
aggressive campaign for electric trucks. A demonstration that
could not be surpassed was recently made by accident. A Den-
ver manufacturer who owns two gasoline trucks recently moved
his plant. On the day that he intended moving, both gasoline
trucks went dead because oil for the cylinders had been for-
gotten. In consequence the manufacturer asked for electric
truck demonstration, and one or more sales seem probable. As
expressed by one of the salesmen, "This demonstration brought
out the point that if you want to operate a gas truck with any
success, you have to buy brains to drive it."

During a single week solicitors of the Louisville Gas &
Electric Company, secured contracts for wiring 131 already
built houses, the largest number ever secured by the com-
pany in any one week. This makes a total of 1,229 house-
wiring contracts secured by the company's solicitors since
the first of the year, covering an expenditure by the public
of more than $38,000 for this class of work. These figures
cover only orders taken by the company's own solicitors and
do not include the large number taken by the many electrical
-contractors of Louisville individually.

♦ ♦ ♦

Complete report covering a seven-day appliance campaign
in the Sandpoint, Idaho, division of the Northern Idaho &
Montana Power Company shows sales of 229 household elec-
tric appliances with a total kilowatt demand of 120.4 kilo-
watts, including 89 flatirons, 91 utility grills, 19 electric per-
colators, 4 twin glower radiators, 2 electric ranges and 28
other appliances. These results were secured by four house
to house salesmen, whose calls were heralded by small news-
paper advertisements and printed circulars. Prospects were
secured for 15 electric ranges. Two new residence electric
customers were obtained and the school board at Newport,
Washington, was interested in installing 12 electric disc
stoves in the High School's Domestic Science Department.
Approximately one-fourth of the residence customers in the
territory canvassed purchased appliances.

A similar effort conducted in the Kalispell, Montana,
division was responsible for the sale of 274 lamp socket ap-
pliances' and one electric range.

*5* *J* *J*

Following the lead of White Plains, N. J., the electric light

poles of Wallingford, Conn., will as far as possible be hidden
this summer by climbing roses.

iS i

Visitors to the N. E. L. A. Convention who were within
sight of the Telephone Building on West Washington Street
after nightfall noted with interest the fine appearance of the
company's illumination of "Old Glory." A 30 by 15^2 foot silk
flag- .more than 300 feet above the street was lighted by four
projectors containing 250-watt stereopticon lamps, and two con-
taining 500-watt lamps. Each night a man adjusts the projectors
and lights the necessary number for the particular position in
which the flag happens to be flying that night. Ordinarily four
lamps are used. The total cost of the installation was about
$165, for materials, as the design and construction was handled
by the telephone company's staff.

According to some data collected by Mr. H. E. M. Kensit oi
the' Canadian Waterpower Commission the following are the
figures as to the electric requirements of twenty large American
and Canadian cities. These figures comprise all sources of pub-
lic supply, including the transportation items. They are for
the year 1914.

A study of this table shows that Winnipeg, Atlanta and Van-
couver are the three cities using most power generation per
capita, while Philadelphia is the lowest, using only half as much
as Columbus, which is next on the list.

Why should Philadelphia make such a poor showing? Is it
not because it has the highest percentage of unwired houses?
And doesn't this follow because it is an older city? It would
look as if the present campaign for wiring the unwired houses
should have particularly good results in Philadelphia.

Estimated
Population

Atlanta 199,740

Buffalo 457,900

Chicago 2,436,000

Columbus, 0 213,900

Detroit 583,000

Louisville 232,350

Milwaukee 420,000

Minneapolis & St. Paul 601,900

Nashville & Chattanooga 179,590

Philadelphia 1,671,000

Connected Load

in Kilowatts

Total per Cap.

Peak Load
in Kilowatts

Output-Generated
in Kilowatt-hours

Pittsburgh . .
Portland, Ore.
Providence . . .
Rochester . . .
St. Louis

Toledo
Montreal .
Toronto
Va"Couver

Winnipeg

572,000
314,000
249,000
248,000
740,000

187,250
570,500
468,000
186,400
226,000

88,000
137,872
852,000

49,309

97,000

144,778

60,843

202,086

82,060
68,177

60,315
222,000
178,677

61,200
136,000

• 44

• 31
■ 35

• 2?>

■ 4i

• 24
.338
.121

•330
.274

.322

•384
.382
• 33
. 60

Total

44,326
67,424
344,500
19,471
87,800

28,200
46,924

91,655
20,200

82,078

71,000
47,775
39,7qo
29,813
92,176

23,965
65,000
64,064
34,300
43,3oo

per Cap.

. 2.2
.147
.142
.091

• 15

.122
.112

• 152
"3

■ 49

.124
•152
. 16
. 12

■125

.128
•113
•137
.184
.191

Total

fer Cap

145,684,803

730

302,220,107

660

1,280,962,600

527

70,283,250

329

329,395,900

565

100,692,219

433 .

170,889,000

406

270,168,475

450

71,401,500

398

272,711,745

165

316,500,000

553

199,166,000

634

1 13,286,600

455

123,850,785

500

319,151,753

430

91,996,426

491

300,000,000

520

250,240,500

535

124,884,565

668

167,765,000

740

June, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

^z?

B^ J.

Pm-nceum

-^EANlNf j heavily on the desk which bore his
yi "**** I log-sheet. Big Bill, the watch engineer,
|Ug gj§B'g shifted his weight from one foot to the other.

His eyes wandered from the switchboard
clock to the door through which his "relief"
would come, and he wondered if there ever
had been a "trick" as long as his. He wasn't
tired — but how his shoes hurt him! Nothing
looked as good to him as the chair in the
corner and the window sill
which fairly invited his aching
feet.

"Yes, they looked fine in the
store, and they're still in good
shape, but why didn't I have
sense enough to get a pair I could work in?"

That is a question many and many an electrical man has asked
himself — particularly at the end of a hot day when his feet have
swelled till they have made otherwise bearable shoes bind like
a straight-jacket. No man can do the sort of work the boss
likes if his feet keep his tongue on the verge of profanity every
minute, and many a bit of carelessness can be traced to ill-con-
ditioned feet.

Yet most cases of aching feet are cured without difficulty, and
more easily prevented, if the structure of the foot is thoroughly
understood. Fig. I shows the skeleton of the right foot seen
from the outside. If a mechanic were to make a model of the
foot from metal, it would look something like Fig. 2. The frame-
work, instead of being bones, is of sheet-steel, while the springs
serve in place of tendons. As the leg moves forward and back,
the springs "A" and "D" are extended and released. At the con-
clusion of a stride in walking the front of the foot is bent up,
and when the foot is put down again, the heel strikes first. The
jar is taken up principally by the extension of "A" as the toes come
to the ground, and later by "B" and "C" when the whole foot
is on the ground.

What happens to a man with "flat feet" is at once evident. As
the two arches are flattened, the strain on "B" and "C" is in-
creased, until they fail entirely. The jar of each step is then re-
ceived directly by the leg-bones and transmitted up to the body
But the greatest discomfort comes as the stride continues and
the weight is thrown forward to the ball of the foot. The ten-
dons represented by "B" and "C" are entirely unable to bear
the strain, and they allow the bones to be distorted from their
normal places. To secure relief from the pain which follows,
the victim "toes out," or walks on the sides of his feet, only to
make matters worse. Often the aching and swelling makes
walking almost impossible.

The remedy for this condition is obvious when the cause is
known. Two things product "flat-foot" — wrong use of the foot
in walking or standing, and improper shoes. It must not be
thought that much use will harm he feet. They w re mean to

support the body, and if given a chance will do so uncomplain-
ingly. But they must be allowed to do so in their own way.
They should always point "straight ahead," for thus the weight
of the body is carried directly above the distributing arch. Ii
"toeing-out" is practised, the weight is thrown off-center, and
unnatural strains are set up. In standing, the knees should be
stiff, and the weight equally distributed between both feet.

Fig. 3 Fig. 4

Shoes may offend in several ways. Fig. 3 shows a normal foot
in a normal shoe. The bones are here in their proper positions,
but if the toe of the shoe swings toward the outside, or is too
pointed, the whole foot is forced out of line, to the discomfort
of its owner. Fig. 4 shows the great increase in bearing area
which results with increase in load. Were the sole of the shoe
of ample width, this would be of decided advantage, for it
would reduce the unit pressure on the foot. With many shoes,
however, there is reasonable comfort only when the foot is off
the ground.

To no class is the condition of the feet of such vital im-
portance as to our military and naval forces. After careful
tests, the United States Government has laid down the follow-
ing standards for shoes, abstracted by "Safety" as follows :

1. Material — Medium weight; uppers soft and yield-
ing, to give sufficient thickness and strength. The soles
should be single and flexible, yet tough leather.

2. Soles should agree with the print of your foot
bearing the weight of the body with space in front of
toes.

3. Heel — Broad, long, flat, low and solid.

4. Toe Cap — An extra thickness of pliable leather, no
stiff box with hard sharp edges.

5. Permanent water-proofing is bad. A little oil on
the upper surface is sufficient.

6. Construction — No arch supports ; no folds of leath-
er or seams over the ankle tendons. A light half-bellows
tongue. Perfecty smooth interior. Large eyelets (no
hooks).

7. Fit— Snug and comfortable, preventing shifting
and the working of the heel up and down, yet allowing
room for expansion of foot resulting from work. Length
of sole at least one-half an inch greater than le igth of
foot bearing body. Toes allowed to lie straight, flat
and easy, especially the great toe, which should not be
pressed against the others.

Shoes which correspond to these specifications are illustrated
in Fig. 5. They disprove the idea in many minds that shoes to
be comfortable must necessarily be clumsy. As a matter of fact
the heavy soles and wide toes usually associated with working
shoes are entirely unnecessary. The time is past when an elec-

ELECTRICAL A G R

June, igib

trical man must sacrifice either appearance or comfort when he
picks a pair of shoes.

If, however, the mischief has already been done, and the
arches of the foot have been broken down, the best remedy is to
have a metal arch support fitted by an expert. If his services
cannot be secured, the supports may be fitted by bending them
to conform to the shape of the foot when it is resting free of
load. Massage morning and night is of benefit. As the tendons

recover their powers, a less rigid support should be substituted.
A cure will require from one to six months.

Rubber heels are very desirable, especially for central-station
men who move about all day on hard floors. Some shoes are
said by their makers to be good insulators from ground. What
ever they may be at first, they eventually lose their protective
quality through wear, and unless they are regularly tested, they
will give a false sense of security which is a real menace. For
protection around live circuits, rubber gloves and overshoes
worn for no other purpose are alone worth using.

Shoes for Dress Wear Need Not Be Uncomfortable

It will be noted that Section 5 discourages the use of water-
proofing. This is because of the application of sufficient oil or
grease to render the leather really watertight will close its pores
to the prespiration of the feet. Men who wear rubber boots
know from experience how soon socks become wet and how
the skin is softened by continual dampness. Ventilation is of
particular importance to men whose prespiration is excessive or
offensive. For this the remedy is absolute cleanliness. The feet
should be washed thoroughly each day in warm water, then

rinsed with cold water, and dusted with any good foot-powder.
Tan shoes are especially affected by perspiration, and careful
attention may make a direct saving in money.

The wearing of tight shoes is responsible also for skin diseases
of the feet. In most cases of corns or bunions a competent
chiropodist should be seen, but incipient corns can be treated,
first of all, by the removal of the cause — the shoe which presses
on that spot — and the application of one of the standard corn-
removing salves. The necessity for scrupulous cleanliness and
the difficulty of securing it make treatment by the knife a
source of great danger from infection. Cutting corns with a
razor is as foolhardy a thing as is ever attempeted.

Cold feet also are due to tight shoes, to lack of cleanliness,
and to low vitality. The extreme case, frost-bite, calls for the
conventional treatment of gentle rubbing with snow, lest the
frozen tissues be broken up. Where the feet have been frozen
for any length of time there is great danger that the blood may
not start to circulate. The rubbing should continue for some
time, and the frozen parts should be watched carefully for a
day or two to detect any darkening, the symptom of gangrene.

In' conclusion, it may be remarked that like every other part
of our bodies, our feet will serve our every need if we treat
them right. As long as we keep them clean, and do not hamper
them by tight shoes, they will carry us through the longest day's
Nvork with ease and when the whistle blows, we can walk home
with a feeling of superiority over the men who somehow are
alwavs so tired that thev wait for the car.

Engineers were prominent among the 125,000 marchers in New
York on May 13. This group includes Peter Cooper Hewitt,
Thomas A. Edison, W. L. Saunders, and Hudson Maxim.
(Photo by Paul Thompson)
•f* . <ff *
Under the bulletin-glass of the system-operator or on the
sliding leaf of the office-man's desk may well appear these
maxims of the elder Baron Rothschild :
Bear troubles patiently.
Maintain your integrity as a sacred thing.
Employ your time well.
Be polite to everybody.
Make no useless acquaintances.

Never try to appear more than what you really are.
Never tell business lies.
Do not reckon upon chance.
Refuse to be discouraged.

Then work hard, and you are certain to succeed.
**♦ >J« *j»

"$1,890 for Two Bottles" — Newspaper Headline.
How many had he had before?

June, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

Harold Winth'rop Buck, president-elect of the American Insti-
tute of Electrical Engineers, was born in 1873, and graduated
from Yale in 1894. After receiving his E.E. degree from Colum-
bia in 1895 he went to the General Electric Company's appren-
tice course at Schenectady. There he assisted in the development
of a process for the manufacture of carborundum and later was
assistant engineer in the lighting department.

In 1900 Mr. Buck became electrical engineer of the Niagara
Falls Power Company, and in 1908 he came to New York as a
consulting engineer in the generation, transmission, and distri-
bution of electrical energy. He has had much to do with the
development of the suspension type of strain insulator. His firm
is Viele, Blackwell & Buck.

**«■ 4$t *$»

Mr. John B. Sebring, Pittsburgh representative of the
Ward Leonard Electric Company, has moved his offices to
901 Park Building. Mr. G. H. Armstrong has joined the
Sebring organization.

Mr. J. Ed. Erickson has joined the sales organization of
The Packard Electric Company, of Warren, Ohio, and will
cover the territory formerly in charge of Mr. Benjamin
Smith. Mr. Erickson has specialized on motor car power
plants and central station practice.

.♦. <g» 4.

Mr. D. A. Casey, who has been connected with the West-
inghouse Electric & Mfg. Co. for the past six years as a
machinery salesman in the Pittsburg District, has resigned
and organized the Service Supply & Equipment Company,
with offices in the Fulton Building, Pittsburgh, Pa. The
company will act as sales agent for machinery and supplies
through the Pittsburgh district.

O. E. Thomas, 626 Washington Bldg., Los Angeles, has
been appointed district sales manager of The Terry Steam
Turbine Co. for a territory covering Arizona and the south-
ern portions of California and Nevada.
♦ ♦ *

Grattan Kerans, who for four and a half years was as-
sociate editor of "The Jovian," official organ of the Jovian
Order, on June 1, returned to the editorial staff of the St.
Louis "Post-Dispatch."

Wlliam Stanley, of Great Barrington, Mass., died on May
14, 1916. Mr. Stanley was a pioneer in electrical invention,
and was the fourth recipient of the Edison Medal, for the
creative work he did in developing the transformer and
alternating-current systems. Mr. Stanley was born in Brook-
lyn, N. Y., November 22, 1858, and was educated at Willis-
ton Academy. After a short stay at Yale College he enter-
ed the electroplating business in New York City. Soon he
entered the service of Hiram Maxim in the United States
Electric Lighting Company. When Mr. Maxim gave up
this venture. Mr. Stanley joined, for a short time, the staff
og assistants about Dr. Edward Weston, the distinguished
physicist and engineer. Later, in 1882, Stanley started a
small laboratory of his own in Englewood, N. J..

In the spring of 1885 Mr. Stanley, then working for George
Westinghouse in Pittsburgh, made his first "converter," now
called "transformer," and operated it at the Pittsburgh shops for
a few days. During the summer and early fall of 1885, although
too ill to work steadily, he gave every moment possible to the
perfection of his pet scheme, the devising of a system of elec-
trical distribution that would greatly increase the distance over
which electric energy could be conveyed. It was during this
period of illness and before he was able to return to work
that Mr. Stanley worked out the methods that have since been
employed in the alternating-current system.

William Stanley

The first plant was erected by Mr. Stanley during the fol-
lowing year at Great Garrington, Mass., as a result of which
the Westinghouse Electric Company began the manufacture
of alternating current apparatus.

Later he devised several new kinds of alternating-current
generators and two new kinds of alternating-current motors.
In 1888 Mr. Stanley built the first induction wattmeter, an
instrument that is used for measuring energy wherever alter-
nating-current is employed.

In 1890 the Stanley Electric Manufacturing Company at Pitts-
field, Mass., was organized by Stanley and his associates, Mr.
J. F. Kelly, and Mr. C. C. Chesney. . Their initials gave the
famous "S.K.C. System" its name. Mr. Stanley has also
invented and patented many devices and methods that have
entered into the electrical product of the times. Recently he de-
voted a great deal of attention to thermal problems, in particular
to the development of the electric range.

Enos M. Barton, one of the founders of the Western Elec-
tric Company and for twenty years its president, died at his
southern home in Biloxi, Miss , on May 3, 1916, at the age
of seventy-two years. Since his retirement from the presi-
dency of the Company, in 1908, he had been chairman of its
board of directors.

♦ * *

Professor Lucien Ira Blake died at Boston, Massachusetts, on
May 4. Born in 1854, he studied under Hertz and Helmholtz
at Berlin, receiving the degree of Ph.D. in 1883. From 1884 to
1887 he was professor of physics and electrical engineering at
Rose Polytechnic Institute, and from 1887 to 1906 occupied a
similar chair at the University of Kansas. In 1889 he began
experimental work which led to the discovery of the now
widely used submarine bell signalling device. Professor Blake
also did important work in the development of the electrostatic
ore separator.

<$» «$► <$»

Henry Floy, electrical engineer and expert on valuations, died
suddenly at his residence in New York City on May 5. He
was a graduate of Cornell University in the Class of 1891, from
which he entered the employ of the Westinghouse Electric &
Manufacturing Company rising from engineering apprentice to
manager of the company's Minneapolis office. In 1898 he re-
signed, and took up consulting work in New York, in which
he remained until his death. Mr. Floy is the author of a num-
ber of volumes whose material is drawn from his own ob-
servation. Among these are "Valuation of Public Utility-
Properties," "Value for Rate-Making," and "High Tension Un-
derground Electric Cables."

ELECTRICAL AGE

June, 1916

Means for Changing the Frequency of Alternating Cur-
rents.— Where a periodicity of twenty-five cycles per second
is employed it is often desirable, for the purpose of feeding
lighting circuits, etc., to obtain currents of higher fre-
quency. According to a patent issued on April 25th, 1916,
to Mr. Alfred M. Taylor, of Kings Heath, England, he pro-
vides an improved method of accomplishing this result by
means of stationary transformers and choking coils. In Fig.
1, a choking coil with a saturated core A is connected in ser-
ies with a primary of a transformer B, a coil A and trans-
former B being connected across each phase of a three-phase
circuit. The transformer secondaries are connected in par-

allel to the lighting circuit. The result of this arrangement
is that the sinusoidal E. M. F. of the generator is deformed.
In Fig. 2 the current and voltages of the respective trans-
former primaries are indicated, the sign curve E represent-
ing the E. M. F. supplied from the mains, curve C, the cir-
cuit in the primary, and curve D, the resultant E. M. F. in
the primary. The combination of these in the lighting cir-
cuit is indicated by the curve of Fig. 3, the frequency of this
circuit being triple that of the original source. Patent No.
1,180,800.

Dynamo Electric Machine. — It is desirable in many in-
stances, notably on automobiles and in car lighting systems,
wherein a generator operates in conjunction with a storage
battery, that the generator should have a practically con-
stant output regardless of generator speed. Auxiliary com-
mutator brushes have been em-
ployed to limit the output, but it
has not been kept constant. Ac-
cording to a patent to Mr. V. A.
Fynn, of St. Louis, Mo., issued on
May 16th, 1916, the regulation of
the generator to constant output is
attained by the use of auxiliary
brushes in an apparatus as illus-
trated in the cut. The generator
winding 7 is a low resistance shunt,
while winding 8 is a high resistance
shunt. The voltages across these
windings vary with the speed and
load and they are so proportioned
that excitation of winding 7 is at
first greater than that of 8. For the direction of rotation and
magnetic flux as indicated, the voltage across winding 7 will
diminish and that of winding 8 will increase with increase n
speed or load. Under these circumstances, the proportion of

the total magnetization supplied by winding 7 will be great
at low speed and the reverse is true of winding 8, with the
result that the current output will not drop as fast with in-
creasing speed as with winding 7 alone. By adjusting the
auxiliarly brush 5, the regulation due to the drooping excita-
tion of winding can be governed and the rising due to the
winding 8 can be independently adjusted by the brush 6. The
fact that the two magnetizations can be independently adjust-
ed makes it possible to secure a practically constant current
output regardless of speed and also to vary the output curve
within very wide limits. Patent No. 1,183,000.

Commutator. — In the manufacture of commutators it has
been found that, after the assembly, the boring out of the
interior sometimes forms burrs which carry across from one
commutator bar to the next thereby connecting the same.

This difficulty is sought to be avoided in a patent to Mr.
Bilton E. Thompson, of Ridgeway, Pa. His expedient is to
make the insulation between the bars thicker adjacent the
point of boring than at parts remote therefrom. The scheme
is clearly shown in the cut. Patent No. 1,183,253..
.;« »> *j.

An interesting development of a new product to meet an
economic need is that of "nitre cake" as a substitute for sulphuric
acid. This is a product consisting of 78 per cent, sodium acid
sulphate, and 18 per cent, sodium sulphate. A hot saturated solu-
tion contains the acid equivalent of an 18 per cent, solution of
sulphuric acid. This is satisfactory for many of the uses to
which ordinary sulphuric acid is put, such as the removal of
oxide and scale from iron and steel, and cleaning ("pickling")
of these metals before galvanizing. Its use will release sulphuric
acid for many processes in which "nitre cake" will not answer,
with a resultant lowering of price for the more sought-for acid.

A new substation in Brockton will soon be erected by the
Edison Electric Illuminating Co., of Brockton, Mass., at a cost
of about $100,000. Upon completion of the new station, which
will be equipped for alternating-current service, the existing sub-
station, which is equipped for alternating and direct-current
service will be used entirely for direct-current service. The
new building will be designed for an ultimate capacity of 9,000
kw., the present transformer equipment to be installed totaling
3,500 kw. By the addition of a 750-kw. motor generator set the
output of the dir.ect current substation will be increased. Im-
provements, including the installation of a 10,000-kw. General
Electric turbo-generator set, two 600-hp. Edgemoor boilers,
equipped with Taylor automatic stokers, Wheeler Condensing &
Engineering Company's condensing apparatus, and switchboard
equipment, will be made to the East Bridgewater generating
plant. The Stone & Webster Engineering Corp., of Boston, has
the contract for the work.

June, [916

ELECTRICAL

AGE

Polk and Tower Lines for Electric Power Transmisssion, by
R. D. Coombs, New York: McGraw-Hill Book Co., $2.^0
net.

The design construction of a transmission line is an engineer-
ing feat of no mean importance, embodying as it does the
placing of foundations of some sort in ground of widely varying
character, and the erection thereon of a superstructure which
must bear severe stresses. The comparatively recent develop-
ment of lines other than the wooden-pole leads of the telephone
and telegraph companies is no doubt the cause for the lack of
authoritative data on the subject. From his long acquaintance
with transmission-line problems, Mr. Coombs is well qualified to
speak.

The book has several points of merit. It sticks closely to
the construction of the line, leaving electrical properties for
other works. The author never loses sight of the fact that the
cheapness of a line does not depend on reducing its first cost,
nor on making its operating cost low, but on the proper bal-
ancing of the two. He is not dogmatic upon mooted points,
such as line crossings, but gives the opinions of both sides
fairly. The tables of construction data are of much interest
not only to the man who has a similar line to build, but to the
profession as a whole. Tables of wire-data are also of value
for quick reference.

The Electrical Contractor by Louis W. Moxey, Jr., New
York City: McGraw-Hill Book Company, $1.50 net.

Mr. Moxey's book is one which should be read by every man
who does electrical contracting work, whether as owner or
workman. Probably one of the greatest causes of business fail-
ures in the electrical trade is the lack of knowledge of cost-
keeping methods, and the necessity for such records of past
performance. The testimony of an obviously successful man as
to his dependence on full and accurate records should carry
weight with his readers.

It is unfortunate that more has not been said about systems
of book-keeping, especially simpler systems for the smaller
shops. Owners of these shops, however, can devise their own
system, bearing in mind Mr. Moxey's principles. The tables of
construction costs are good, and for them alone the book should
have a place in every contractor's office, as well as in every en-
gineer's library.

A $300,000 hydro-electric plant on Tyger River, 16 miles south
of Spartanburg,- will be built by the Interborough Power Co.,
Spartanburg, S. C, developing 4,000 electrical horsepower for
transmission. In order to generate electricity for transmission
to Cliff side and other cotton-mill cities of Rutherford county, the
Broad River Hydro-Electric Power Co., Cliffside, N. C, in-
corporated with $500,000 capital will build a hydro-electric plant
at Haynes Shoals, on Main Broad River.

By the completion of the addition to the power house of
the Mahoning & Shenango Railway & Light Company at
Lowellville, Ohio, the capacity of the three generating sta-
tions of the Mahoning and Shenango system has been
doubled. Batteries of 600 hp. Babcock & Wilcox boilers, with
provision for the installation of additional boilers of the
same type, comprises the new steam generating equipment.
In order to serve the boilers, a new engine-driven fan of
60,000 cu. ft. per minute capacity was installed. The boilers
are fed by centrifugal pump, operated by steam turbine, hav-
ing a capacity of 1,000 gal. per minute, and have mechanical
stokers. The new electric generating equipment consists of
one 18,750-kva. General Electric turbo-generator unit, with
condenser and auxiliary apparatus. The new generator has

its own exciter unit, which may be driven by a turbine as well
as an induction motor. All the essentials, both in generat-
ing and transmission equipment, have been duplicated. An
outdoor transformer and switching station is being erected
south of the new building. The contract for the work was
given to the Stone & Webster Engineering Corporation, of
Boston, Mass.

Preparatory work on the construction of a large hydroelectric
power development has been begun by the Rochester Railway
& Light Co., of Rochester, N. Y. The construction of a large
horseshoe tunnel from the dam above the Middle Falls under
the river to the eastern base of the Lower Falls, a distance of
1550 feet will be included in the work contemplated. The cost
of the work is estimated at $750,000. The elimination of station
15 on the west bank of the river at Middle Falls and station 5
on the east bank at the foot of the Lower Falls will be a result
of the tunnel. Where station 5 now stands at the Lower Falls,
a new power house 130 ft. by 70 ft. will be erected. Turbines
of 16,000 hp. each will be installed at present, and later a third
turbine of the same capacity will be installed.

A A A

Contracts have been awarded and work is now under way
for improvements to The Arkansas Light & Power Com-
pany's local system, at Marianna, Ark., including the con-
struction of a new power house to be equipped with one 75-
kw. and one 100-kw. belted unit (from old power house);
one new 300-kva. General Electric generator (directly con-
nected), one Allis Chalmers Corliss engine, one new feeder
panel and one new generator panel to be added to General
Electric switchboard; setting boilers in steel settings; re-
building distribution system; electrically - driven centri-
fugal pumps are to be installed at the water plant which is
now operated by the Arkansas Company.

Trie commissioners of Phillips County, Dodson, Mont., are
planning for the installation of an electric light plant and
water system to cost about $35,000.

♦ * *

$1,000,000 has been appropriated by the city of Minneapolis^
Minn., to double the capacity of the present water filtration
plant and to install a water softening plant. The replacing
of two steam driven pumps at the Camden station' with elec-
trically driven pumps with a capacity of $25,000,000 gallons
per day is a contemplated improvement. The equipment in
the extension to the filtration plant will be operated by elec-
tricity in addition to the new pumps. The Minneapolis Di-
vision of the Northern States Power Company supplies the
energy for operating the water works.

A A A

An offer to purchase the municipal electric lighting system
and furnish electrical services in Burlington Junction, Mo.,
was made to the Town Council by the Maryville Electric
Light & Power Company. The company will erect a trans-
mission line from Pickering, the present terminus of the line,
and supply electricity from the Maryland plant if it is taken
over. Farmers along the line will also be served.

A A A

Properties on Placer Creek, near Wallace, Idaho, will be
immediately equipped for electrical operation by the Wash-
ington Water Power Company of Spokane. According to
reports further operations are to be instituted and several
mines are to be equipped in the near future by the power
company.

♦ A A

E. V. Buchanan, General Manager and Philip Pocock,
Chairman, as a committee have been authorized by the
Public Utilities Commission, of London, Ont., to engage an
architect to prepare plans for a hydro electric sales building
with offices above to cost $75,000.

ELECTRICAL AGE

June, 1916

( Continued fro7n page 31)

There was an animated discussion of highway lighting
following the report of the committee on that subject.
Methods of inducing cities to use better systems were
gievn amongst them those of trial installations for com-
parative purposes, and getting merchants to pay for the
installation of "White- Way" fitxures.

An illustrated lecture by Mr. W. A. Durgin showed
that lower prices and more efficient lamps would force
the lighting load into the by-product class unless measures
be taken to secure the adoption of higher intensities,
indirect or semi-direct systems, and color control of light-
ing. Mr. Durgin's remarks were effectively illustrated by
actual tests of various arrangements of illuminants and
intensities of illumination.

Third Electric Vehicle Session

The joint report on Operating Records, Garages, and
Rates, submitted Thursday afternoon included four
curves. The first showed the daily operating cost of
commercial electric vehicles for different carrying capa-
cities, as proved normal under the varieties of service
this type of vehicle is employed. The second graph gave
an indication of the energy consumed in charging bat-
teries in public garages or where groups of vehicle are
employed. A second copy of thise graph was given, and
it was requested that operators record their individual
experiences on it, and forward the graph to the com-
mittee. The third graph was a method of obtaining
the approximate number of commercial electric vehicles
that can be garaged on various quantities of garage floor
space. A chart showing an analysis of the cost of
garaging commercial electric vehicles furnished a com-
prehensive list of all the elements to be considered. Costs
for the elements were given, these being normal in large
cities, which, because probably the maximum to be re-
quired, are variable.

H. A. Wagoner spoke at length on the necessity for
co-operation between the manufacturer of electric
vehicles and the central station, saying that the margin
of profit and the commission allowed to agents were so
low in comparison with gasoline cars that the latter had
received more "pushing" in the market.

President Lloyd also addressed the newly-formed sec-
tion, expressing his pleasure over the affiliation of the
vehicle men. P. D. Wagoner told of the merits of a bat-
tery-service plan for vehicles, reference being made to an
establishment which maintains over 200 cars. In answer
to a question, Mr. Wagoner said that "dead mileage"
under this plan was not great.

The election of officers for the following year resulted
as follows : Chairman, E. S. Mansfield, Boston, Mass. ;
vice-chairman, G. B. Foster, Chicago, 111.; treasurer,
H. M. Edwards, New York City; secretary, A. Jackson
Marshall, New York City ; executive committee : W. H.
Johnson, Philadelphia, Pa. ; Arthur Williams, New York
City ; Frank W. Smith, New York City ; P. D. Wagoner,
New York City ; Charles Blizard, Philadelphia, Pa. ; J.
W. Frueauff , Denver, Colo. ; G. A. Freeman, Chicago ;
Charles A. Ward, New York City; H. G. Thompson,
East Orange, N. J.; E. P. Chalfant, Detroit, Mich.;
James H. McGraw, New York City; H. H. Suydam,
Toledo, O.

Fourth Technical Session

At this meeting, the report of the Committee on Power
Supply for the Electrification of Steam Roads was read.
The discussion included a paper on the same subject
presented by Frederick Darlington. The desirability of

railroad load as increasing the diversity- factor and as a
means of publicity was shown. If the Commonwealth
Edison Company supplied all the power used in Chicago
the maximum demand would be about 800,000 kilowatts,
and of this the steam railroads would use but 15 per cent.,
while the manufacturing concerns would require about
twice as much. It is thus evident that it is more im-
portant to get all manufacturing business, after which
the railroad business will come as a matter of course.
Some of the advantages of electric power to the rail-
roads were mentioned. The following officers were elect-
ed: Chairman, R. J. McClelland; vice-chairmen, P. M.
Downing, J. T. Hutchings, Farley Osgood, Charles Ruff-
ner; executive committee, O. B. Coldwell, Thomas
Sproule, I. E. Moultrop. Stuart Wilder ; secretary and
treasurer, S. A. Sewall.

The session then adjourned.

Fifth Commercial Section

This session was devoted principally to thermal appli-
cations of electricity. There was discussion of a paper
on "The Resistance Heater as a Load Builder" and also
on electric furnaces. The latter have a power-factor of
.87 to .98 and an annual load- factor of 35 to 60 per
cent. For high-grade products this method is superior
to the converter process, and it can compete with the
open-hearth process. In discussing the report on electric
spot-welding it was said that this type of load on account
of its violent fluctuations and poor load factor required
special devices, such as a motor-generator set with
heavy fly-wheel, or a dummy-reactance to be cut in as the
welding-load was cut out.

The defects of gas-engine power make it unsuitable,
in members' opinions, in comparison to electric power,
even when natural gas at 30 cents per 1,000 cubic feet
is to be had.

Company Section Session

At these sessions membership problems were discussed.
In a great many instances the straw bosses and foremen
in companies have used their position as a club to coerce
many of their employees to join the company section,
with the result that the coal passers and men of all
ranks who are not equipped to receive any benefit from
this membership have become members.

Men should not be kept out on account of their low
rank, but on the other hand they should not be solicited.
The importance of vigorous and attractive programs to
hold membership. was also urged.

Sixth Commercial Session

This was devoted to an illustrated lecture on industrial
and yard lighting, being the report of the committee on
that subject. A number of miscellaneous matters were
brought up, and the annual election of officers was held.
The result :

Chairman, E. A. Edkins, Chicago; vice-chairman, C. J.
Russell, Philadelphia, Pa. ; vice-chairman, J. G. Learned,
Chicago ; secretary, F. D. Beardslee, St. Louis ; members
of the Executive Committee to fill vacancies, F. H. Gale,
Schenectady, N. Y. ; Henry Harris, Pittsburgh, Pa. ; T. F.
Kelly, Dayton, O. ; H. R. King, New York City ; M. S.
Seelman, Jr., Brooklyn, N. Y., and R. H. Tilman, Balti-
more, Md.

Fourth General Session

This was the final session of the convention, President
Lloyd being in the chair. The Doherty gold medal for
the best paper read before a company section was award-

June, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

ed to B. H. Blaisdell of the Manila, P. I., section, and
was entitled "The Power Plant Department's Part." The
Harriet Billings medal, founded by Arthur Williams, was
awarded to G. J. Leibman, of the Brooklyn Edison Com-
pany, for a paper entitled "Reviving Unused Subsidiar-
ies." The special prize of $25.00 given by H. F. Frasse,
was awarded to G. R. Jones, of the Public Service Com-
pany of Northern Illinois, for a paper entitled "The Utili-
zation of Waste Material." Mr. Frasse has asked the
officers of the association to announce four prizes for
the coming year with the provision that at least eight
papers must be entered in competition.

Mr. Ell C. Bennett, mercury of the Jovian Order,
then outlined plans for closer co-operation between the
two bodies. Secretary Martin read the report on mem-
orials in which he referred particularly to James I. Ayer,
William Stanley, Emil Rathenau, Enos M. Barton, J. A.
Hill, Louis Duncan, Henry Floy, J. C. Manley and G. R.
Stetson as among the notable men who had passed beyond
during the year. Previously mentioned changes in the
constitution were made, and the words "operating rev-
enues" were substituted for "earnings" in figuring mem-
ber companies' dues. Resolutions of thanks were given
to all who had made the success of the convention, and
contributed to the enjoyment of its delegates. The sup-
port of electrical men was asked in contributions toward
the fund for illuminating the Statue of Liberty in New
York Harbor. The New York World has charge of the
fund.

The Committee on Nominations presented the follow-
ing recommendations for officers for the ensuing year,
and the secretary was instructed to cast the ballot. The
officers are therefore as follows :

President, H. A. Wagner, Baltimore, Md.

Vice-presidents, W. F. Wells, Brooklyn, N. Y. ; R. S.
Orr, Pittsburgh, Pa. ; R. H. Ballard, Los Angeles. Cal. ;
Alex Dow, Detroit, Mich.

Treasurer, W. T. Atkins, Boston, Mass.

Executive Committee, M. R. Bump, M. J. Insull, W.
H. fohnson.

The proposal of the Salem Electric Lighting Company, of
Salem, Mass., for street lighting which provides for 50 6.5-
amp. magnetic arc lamps mounted on ornamental posts in
the business section and 1133 nitrogen filled incandescent
lamps of 400 cp., 250 cp. and 50 cp. to be erected throughout
the city, has been recommended to the City Council for ac-
ceptance by the special committee on street lighting. The
contract is for a period of five years.

A contract for lighting the streets of the city of Knoxville,
Tenn., for a period of ten years, has been given to the Knox-
ville Railway, Light & Power Company by the City of
Knoxville. The company is to supply not less than 60 arc
lamps and as many small incandescents as the city may order
under the terms of the contract. To maintain the ornamen-
tal lighting system on Gay Street from Hill to Jackson
Avenues, Market Street, from Clinch to Wall Avenues, Vine
Avenue from Gay to Central Streets and on Wall, Union and
Clinch Avenues from Gay to Market Streets, the contract
provides that the company shall supply the electricity with-
out charge. On each of the 94 iron trolley wire poles on
Gay Street one 300-cp. lamp will be placed. The five-lamp
cluster posts on Gay Street will be placed on Market Street,
where the contract provides for 24 standards. The estimated
cost of the installation of the ornamental lamps is between
$8,000 and $10,000 which will be paid by the city.

The legality of the provision of the electric-sign ordinance
requiring that electric signs must be kept lighted on both sides
from dusk until 10 o'clock P. M. at least six nights of the week
was upheld by the Municipal Court in Louisville, Ky. Actions
were brought against ten alleged offenders by the city building
inspector, and the court held them all guilty, assessing a fine of
$10 in each case. All of the fines but one, however, were sus-
pended. A ^ A

The Illinois Public Utilities Commission has approved of the
continuous meter reading system proposed by the Western United
Gas & Electric Company for use in various Illinois cities in
which it operates. Under the old system the company read its
meters and rendered bills at the first of each month, necessitating
the employment of a large number of meter readers who neces-
sarily were idle part of the time. Under the new system the
meter readers will make the rounds, reading each meter at regu-
lar periods a month apart, but not necessarily at the end of the
month. Forty thousand postcards, explaining the new plan and
asking for approval or disapproval by return mail were mailed
out to consumers. The company filed with the commission 7,000
replies, in asking approval, practically all of which were favor-
able to the new system.

A »♦♦ A

V V *♦*

Authority was granted to a utility to discontinue completely
its street railway operation in the city of Lincoln by the com-
mission in the case of the Lincoln St. Railway. The company
proved its case by showing continued operating lo ses. The
commission held that the company should not be compelled
to continue the further operation of an unprofitable street car
business, which it has been adequately demonstrated is not
patronized sufficiently by the public of the city of Lincoln to be
self sustaining. A *** *

The Maine Public Utilities Commission in its first annual re-
port just published, in discussing ratesoffered to isolated plants
to induce them to shut down their plant and take central station
service, states that service rendered to these customers should
not be understood as constituting a special rate, and should only
be permitted where the admitted or proved facts clearly indicate,
first that the business of the customers cannot be secured at
regular rates, and second, that it is in the interest of the general
public to permit the company to secure the business of a par-
ticular customer and others who may be similarly situated. The
commission says ; "Whatever the circumstances or necessities
may require the company and this commission to do, the service
performed should be in accordance with a schedule filed with
the commission, open to all, and any contracts thereunder should
be for as short a term as possible, to the end that as time goes
on and the business of the company increases, the benefit result-
ing from this low rate to large consumers may be reflected in
lower rates to the smaller consumer.

■*$*■ ■*$■■ ■•$•■

The Appellate Court of Indiana (in N. E. 198) holds that
an employer must use ordinary care to provide his employees
with a reasonably safe place to work and this rule also applies
to a line of poles and wires on which a lineman is required
to work. The employee assumes risks incidental to the service,
and where a lineman was repairing wires from the top of a
freight car, the roof of which he knew to be uneven, he assumed
the risk from the defect. The lineman cannot rely on his
employer for inspection should he know that there is no inde-
pendent system of inspection, but must make the necessary tests
of safety for himself. On the other hand, if the employer pro-,
vides a system of inspection, the employee does not assume
risks which are not obvious to the ordinary use of the senses
and which would have been discovered by an inspection. If
the contract requires the lineman to make an inspection, he
cannot recover for injuries resulting from his failure properly to
inspect. An employee assumes the obvious risks of his calling.

New Prodncgt

And How to

Use TieM

ily H<iwa<iw @f M@w Apparatus Iltipaapsmeaut ami

A camera, known as the "Factograph," which photographs
meter dials is the latest development in photography as applied
to the electrical industry.

The camera measures 4*4 x 5^4 x 12 inches; is made from
selected mahogany specially treated to stand severe moisture ;
is equipped with a high grade anastigmat lens working at f.6.3
and a simple automatic shutter controlled by the operator, mak-
ing exposures with varying speeds as fast as one-fifth second,
the light is furnished by two four cell dry batteries stored in
either side of the camera, supplying current to four 3.8-volt
tungsten miniature lamps. By pressing a small button that is
located just below the exposure lever the lights may be turned
on, converting the camera in a "flasher" for locating meters or
finding one's way through dark cellars.

The reading is made by placing the front of the camera
against the meter dial and pressing downward on the exposure
lever. This action automatically turns on the light, opens and
closes the shutter and turns off the light. The shutter with
each exposure automatically locks until the film for the next
exposure is wound into place. This prevents the possibility of
a double exposure; that is, the superimposing of one exposure
upon another. Likewise there are no blanks for the film can-
not be wound off until the exposure has been made. Winding
reel and exposure lever are mutually interlocking, thus eliminating
the possibility of error from forgetting to turn the key or from
turning the key before the exposure has been made.

The exposure is recorded upon a special sensitive emulsion
coated on a paper support and by a reversing feature in the
camera a positive reading is obtained direct from development,

which does away with any necessity of making prints from the
exposures. The exposures are 1^ x 2J/8 inches and are spooled
in the familiar day light loading cartridge form with 75. ex-
posures to each roll. When the last exposure has been made
the shutter by a special cut in the film, remains locked until the
film is wound off and a new spool has been inserted.

The development is the simplest part of the whole operation
and any one of the meter readers can do the developing for

the whole field force. After winding on racks the films are im-
mersed in the developing tanks where they remain for two min-
utes, and after development are rinsed and then immersed in the
fixing tank. After fixing and a short rinsing they are slipped
in wall racks for drying. When dry they are respooled and
ready for the bookkeepers.

The operations of developing, fixing and rinsing being all done
an the one rack, greatly simplifies the operation which in quan-
tity is all done in about three minutes to each roll. As all de-
veloping can be most economically done at night, no expense is
necessary in the way of dark room equipment, as any blue print
room or other room with large sink affords the necessary facili-
ties. Identification of the meter is obtained by stamping on
the outside of the glass dial either the account or meter number
or consumer's name.

A specimen record

The prices of camera and supplies are :
Camera complete with lens, shutter, batteries and lamps. .$28.50
Film in spools of 75 readings per spool, packed in cartons

of 50 spools,, five cartons in a case: per carton, 50

spools 12.50

Developing powder, each package sufficient for. one gallon

of developer per package

Fixing powder, each package sufficient for one gallon of

fixing solution per package

Dry batteries each

•45

jx, BMfeff^-SSamirgjiaig Set

Every garage operator and automobile owner has experienced
the need of a convenient means for charging small storage bat-
teries, such as are used to-day on practically all up-to-date gaso-
line cars for starting, lighting and ignition service. Launch
owners, too, have experienced the same need.

For economically charging these small storage batteries, the
Westinghouse 'Electric & Mfg. Co., East Pittsburgh, Pa., is
marketing an equipment shown in the illustration. This simple,
compact motor-generator can be connected to the most com-
monly found lighting circuits, namely 110 or 220-volt, 60-cycle,
alternating-current or 115 or 230-volt direct-current. The motor
generator takes its power from the line and generates direct cur-
rent at a voltage slightly higher than that of the battery.

June, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

The panel and the charging set are supplied completely wired
ready for operation, which is extremely simple. The motor is
first connected to the supply circuit and then started by means of
a snap switch. The battery is connected to the generator iei-
minals and the ampere charging rate adjusted by means of the
field rheostat to the value shown on the battery name plate. The
charging is continued according to the method recommended by
the battery manufacturer. As the generator is shunt wound, i^c

m*z.

voltage increases as the ampere load decreases. That is as the
battery approaches a charged condition the potential of the
generator automatically rises to the higher value required for
finishing the charge. This voltage characteristic is a great ad-
vantage where lead batteries are to be charged because it per-
mits the operator to give the battery an equalizing or long
period low rate charge which prolongs the life of the lead bat-
tery.

The Westinghouse charging equipment includes a motor-gen-
erator and a charging panel with the necessary controlling
rheostat, meter, switches and fuses. The meter shows the
ampere charging rate which can be adjusted by the rheostat.
Snap switches and fuses control both the motor, and generator,
conforming to all the requirements of the National Board of
Fire Underwriters. The outfit is so simple and compact that it
is easily installed and operated.

»♦< ♦*♦ ♦•♦

The manufacturers of the Pulmotor, a device for producing
artificial respiration, have recently placed on the market their
Type B machine. This machine is much more readily portable,
as it weighs but 12 lbs. in its compact carrying case. It may
also be used where no supply of compressed oxygen is avail-
able, ordinary air being forced into the patient's lungs by a

hand-pump. In action, the rubber 'mask is fastened over the
patient's face, and the operator by manipulation of the control-
lever first admits air into the lungs, then exhausts it. The es-
sential part of the device is the control valve, for which the
makers claim that it has few working parts, that wear is almost
negligible, and that there are no adjustments to be made. In-
cluded in the valve casting are gauges showing the amount ot
pressure and vacuum produced, and the instructions include a
table of the proper values to use in various cases.

The particular value of this machine lies in its ease of trans-
portation and in the fact that there is no danger of the oxygen
tank being found exhausted at a critical moment. Where, how-
ever, oxygen is available it may readily be used, a tank being
connected in place of the pump. The operator, by watching the
gauges can at once tell when the patient begins to breathe, by
the fluttering of the indicators He can then time his motion of
the valve to assist the patient's efforts. The price of the ap-
paratus as shown is $115.00 f.o.b. factory.
>♦♦ ♦!► 4»

A new vertical motor generator set for moving picture tnea-
tres is designed to meet the conditions for this service, namely,
provide a machine of compact design, taking up a minimum
floor space, that can be installed in a booth, that is free from
vibration and noiseless, requires practically no maintenance and
is of sufficient capacity to enable two lamps to burn at the same
time during a period of dissolving. These machines are built in
50 ampere capacity for continuous service, 100 ampere intermit-
tent service and are all tested 120 amperes before shipment.
They are motor generator sets with the induction motor mount-
ed in the lower frame and wound for either single, two or three
phase service ; a large opening is provided between the motor
and generator covered by a perforated metal plate in which the
air is forced out by a fan mounted on the shaft between the
a.c. motor and the d.c. generator. Hess-Bright ball bearings are
used and the lower bearing is a thrust and radial bearing. The

d.c. generator is the bi-polar interpole type. The object in mak-
ing it bi-polar is to give a large space so that there would be
room to clean up a commutator and put in brushes without
taking the machine apart, besides more ventilating space is
available. The machines are built with fixed point of commu-
tation so that brush holders cannot be moved from their neutral
point.

When operating a single lamp, the compound winding is cut
out and the machines runs as a shunt wound generator rated at
55 volts and normal 50 amperes. However, there is a sufficient
range in the field rheostat to obtain 70 to 80 amperes as a shunt
machine for intermittent service. During the period of dissolv-
ing, the compound winding is cut in and also two fixed grid iron
resistance, one in each lamp circuit. The compound winding-
raises the voltage of the machine to 75 volts to compensate for
the 25 volts drop in the grid iron resistance and limits the flow
of current in each lamp to 50 amperes so that the two lamps can
be burned without affecting the light.

These machines are designed to limit the starting current tc

ELECTRICAL AGE

June, 1916

34 amperes on single-phase and 20 amperes on two-phase so that
a 60-ampere fuse is always necessary and the feed wires can
be of smaller size than for some other types of machines, which
require exceptionally large starting current The efficiency as a
shunt machine is 68 per cent. Power factor is 80 per cent, and
the rise in temperature, full load for 24 hours 40 degrees and
when carrying the 100 amperes intermittently over fifteen min-
utes, the rise will not exceed 45 degrees on any part of the
machine.

* * *

For years school people have been endeavoring to find a sat-
isfactory method of removing chalk from blackboard erasers.
An electric company has brought out and is putting on the mar-
ket a specially designed cleaner that meets the requirements of
the school which has electric current.

This outfit is, in fact, a small sized vacuum cleaner plant. Suc-
tion is produced by a 1/25 hp. Universal motor that operates
on direct or alternating-current. The outfit not only removes
chalk by means of strong suction, but it also has a power driven

bristle brush that brushes the surface of the eraser to be
cleaned. No chalk escapes into the room. It is all drawn into
the box and the air is filtered through a fine muslin separator.

All metal parts of the outfit are nickel plated, and the cabinet
work is of hardwood, mahogany finish. The outfit comes com-
plete with ten feet reinforced portable cord, and attachment
plug. The cleaner may be operated from any convenient socket.

This is an excellent opportunity for electrical dealers as the
cleaning of erasers by hand is a dirty and disagreeable task of
which up-to-date school principals should be glad to relieve
their employees. The ease of operation will make it possible
to have clean erasers always at hand, and the resulting im-
provement in the appearance of the blackboards is a good talking-
point. The manufacturers are guaranteeing the cleaner for one
year and are prepared to send one on trial.
♦ * *

A new line of motors of the so-called repulsion-induction
type, which is provided with a simple and accessible short-
circuiting device has lately been brought out by a western
manufacturer.

These motors start as repulsion motors and after reaching
a certain speed become induction motors. The manufactur-
ers claim an unusually small number of parts for these ma-
chines. The distinctive features are the brushes and a short-
circuiting ring of movable segments surrounded by a collar.
At starting, the centrifugal forces causes the segments to

fly against the collar, thus short circuiting the commutator
and relieving the brushes. The motors are designed to start
under 100 per cent overload with two and one-half times full-
load current. They have a capacity of 100 per cent, over
load for short periods and are readily connected for opera-
tion on either 120 or 240 volt circuits.

The accompanying illustration shows several types of a
new wire-connector. The phantom view in the center shows
the -principle of the connector and how the design has per-
mitted the use of a very few parts to make a rigid connect
tion. This simple construction, it is claimed, reduces the
liability of the connector getting out of order and in ad-

dition provides a connection that is strong mechanically and
electrically. The company is also manufacturing a line of
connectors for panel boards to replace soldered terminal
lugs for front and back connections.
♦♦* »♦« ►♦♦

The use of a separate "trouble lamp" on automobiles equipped
with electric lighting systems is obviated by this combined dash
and trouble lamp. Ordinarily it serves to illuminate the meters
and other appliances, but when the need arises it may be re-

moved from its socket and connected to an extension cord which
is in turn connected with the socket. The cord is regularly
furnished ten feet long and provided with the necessary fittings
for attachment to lamp and socket.

June, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

Pole Top €?M

This pole top gin was especially designed to meet certain
demands in the erection of steel cross arms now used so gen-
erally on wood pole transmission lines. The original application
was limited to this small field of construction, but it has since
been found that it can be used on all line work where weights
of any kind must be lifted and supported on wood poles, and
it is meeting with considerable favor from linemen in all kinds
of work.

It consists of a main base fitted with four spurs and a chain
and a lever for clamping it to the pole. Tackle can be sus-
pended from the arms at the top. To attach the pole gin the line-

man jabs the lower spurs into the pole as he would a spear,
then the top of the channel is thrust towards the pole, and the
upper supports sink into the wood. In this position the gin
will "stay put" while the handle is opened and the chain carried
around the pole and linked into the catch. The handle is then
closed causing the chain to bite into the pole. In its closed
position, the handle is self locked. If the chain is too loose
and does not bite into the pole firmly enough, the handle is
opened, the chain disengaged from the catch and lengthened out
one link and pushed up at the back of the pole. This virtually
acts so as to shorten the chain when the handle is closed
again. The chain takes a firm hold and the gin is ready for use.

As the load is placed on it the lower spurs bite into the pole
further and become firmly placed. This is an especially at-
tractive feature, and that is the simplicity and ease of attach-
ment to and detachment from the pole regardless of the load to
be carried, the gin is readily attached, and there is no danger of
it slipping loose. When the work is finished it can be readily
and instantly detached although it may have carried its maximum
load.

As designed, the present gin can safely carry a load of 1,500
pounds and if necessary 2,000 pounds in emergency. This ca-
pacity is ample, therefore to handle the usual loads that are
placed on the pole. As an example of this, it may be noted
that a 25 kv-a. transformer weighs about 1,700 pounds and a
10 kw. transformer about 1,000 pounds, both of which weights
come within the capacity of the present design. Steel cross
arms weighing from 40 to 120 pounds, of course are very easily-
handled.

In all line work, it will relieve the lineman of heavy lifting
and give the ground man more work. This results therefore,
in a greater efficiency of the line gang.
♦ *> ♦

One of the obstacles to the use of electric power in the kitchen
is the great variety of devices which are found essential by the
houswife. None of them are used enough in a small family to
justify the purchase of a separate motor for each, yet in the
aggregate they would furnish many hours' use for a single
motor. The problem of adapting a removable motor drive to a
great variety of machines has been ingeniously solved by the
"kitchen power unit" illustrated. The "unit" is so constructed
that without any reconstruction it will drive such apparatus as
bread mixer, meat grinder, coffee or spice mills, ice cream freez-
er, raisin seeder, cherry pitter, potato slicer, cake mixer, or egg
whip. The driving arm may be raised or lowered to suit any
height of appliance. There is a horizontal as well as a vertical
drive. The drive shafts are equipped with a chuck and crank.
The chuck is used where the handle of the appliance can be
easily taken off while the crank is used where the handle of the
appliance cannot be removed. The shelf is for supporting ap-
pliances which have table clamps. There are holding hooks

provided to hold appliances in position while being driven. The
motor is J/2 hp. and is furnished for both direct and alternating
in all voltages and frequencies. The "unit" is finished in dark
maroon while the shafts are either nickel-plated or polished
steel. Attachments are furnished for buffing and grinding
wheels.

A new type of relay, designed for operating with automatic
re-closing circuit-breakers has recently been brought out by
a western company, interested in the development of this
type of circuit breaker.

The standard form of automatic reclosing circuit-breaker
is designed to control the entire current imput on the circuit
and will not operate satisfactorily in a feeder circuit where
such feeder is supplying current to a load circuit which is also
supplied by current at other points.

This new feeder circuit relay is designed especially to
operate with circuit breakers connected in a circuit supplying
current to a net-work of distribution. The accompanying
cut shows feeder circuit relay operating in conjunction with
a 1,200 ampere Type D. automatic reclosing circuit breaker.

The special feature of this relay being that it has a po-
tential adjustment whereby breaker may be set to reclose at
any voltage from 50 per cent, normal to full voltage on load

ELECTRICAL AGE

June, 1916'

side of breaker. Should the breaker open due to an exces-
sive load, breaker will reclose at the expiration of a short
time interval provided the voltage on the load side of breaker
is not excessively low; 'should the voltage be excessively low
so that breaker would immediately open were it to reclose,
the potential adjustment may be set so that breaker will not
reclose until voltage has risen to a safe value but the instant
the voltage does reach the allowable value, breaker will auto-
matically reclose. Should a short circuit occur the breaker
will of course remain open until short circuit has been re-
moved.

Another feature of this relay is that it enables breaker to be
used on a network where a number of feeders are supplying
current to a common load or it may be used on an indepen-
dent circuit, where breakers control the entire current imput
to the load. When used in either connection, breaker will
operate entirely automatically and will reclose only when
line conditions _are right and no short circuit exists.

The dead load adjustment is provided with the bre'aker
whereby breaker will reclose on any predetermined amount
of load, such as lights, self starting motors, etc., but will not
reclose on actual short circuit of low resistance. This com-
bination of feeder circuit relay and circuit breaker is especial-
ly suitable for the protection of rotary converters or genera-
tor sets in small sub-stations supplying current to mines,
street railways, mills, etc., where the switch-board attendant
has other duties to perform besides looking after circuit
breaker.

The potential adjustment on relay furnishes a certain means
of having breaker closed only when proper voltage relations
exist between the generator protected and the load circuit.
This eliminates the necessity of having a volt meter or other
means of indicating proper voltage for operator to close
breaker, it also eliminates the human factor in operating the
breaker, thus making the operation more certain to occuf at
the proper time.

*** ■*$l" *$*

HBsalia Sawtsacp Lisa® Calcmlmt®!1

Some time ago an alternating current transmission line
calculator which was designed for the rapid calculation of

voltage drop in alternating current circuits was placed on the
market. This device has now been greatly enlarged so as to-
cover the whole field of transmission and distributing at mod-
erate voltages.

In its new form the calculator consists of a three fold;
morocco leather volume of quarto size (8^4 in- square), con-
taining separate diagrams for 60 and 25 cycle work, each
diagram being laid out for four different spacings of con-
ductor, and each being equipped with a revolving trans-
parent disc. The diagrams have been doubled in diameter
over the first edition, so that the various scales are more-
open and therefore more easily read, while at the same time
they have beeji expanded so as to include a much wider
variety of operating conditions.

For transmission at ordinary voltages there are provided,
quadrants for 18, 36 and 60 inch spacing of conductors, which
will be found to cover most of the problems presented to the
average designing or operating engineer. It is possible,,
however, by means of the spacing and frequency conversion
chart to make accurate determinations for any spacing what-
ever up to 100 inches,- and also for any frequency up to
100 -cycles per second. For the benefit of those engaged in
mill work, quadrants have also been included for 6 inch,
spacing, and with this same work in mind the circular scales
have been greatly extended so as to include loads as low as
one kilovolt-ampere, voltages as low as 100 volts, and dis-
tances as small as 100 feet.

A new provision has been made for the calculation of
power losses in a circuit, whereby it can be read at a glance
along with the voltage drop, the whole process requiring but
two minutes and the results being guaranteed accurate within
one fifth of one per cent. Other new features are the adapt-
ability of the calculator to current determination, leading
power factors, transformer regulation and direct current
work, and also a special wire table which gives costs of bare
and weatherproof wire as well as the usual information as to
weights and ampere capacity.

The directions are so located on the folding leaf as to
be readily consulted while the diagrams are being used, and
are accompanied by typical examples so that a person having
no technical training whatever can learn the method in a few
minutes. The ranges of the various scales are as follows:

Junk, 1916

ELECTRICAL AG E

Range of the Transmission Line Calculator

Systems — 1, 2 or 3-phase or direct current.

Frequency — 60 or 25 cycles.

Load — 1 to 20,000, kilovolt-amperes.

Voltage — 100 to 70,000 volts.

Distance — 100 feet to 100 miles.

Power factor — 1 to 100 per cent, lagging or leading.

Conductor material — Copper, aluminum or copper clad.

Conductor size — No. 8 B. & S. to 1,000,000 cm.

Conductor spacing — 6, t8, 36 or 60 inches.

Line drop or loss — o to 40 per cent.
The device is known as the "Engineer's Edition" of the
Transmission Line Calculator and is sold by Robert W.
Adams, 181 Taber Ave., Providence, R. I.

Anyone who has ever lost time and patience in working
with the refractory ends of short wires for connecting up
batteries will appreciate the type of spring clip battery con-
nector lately put on the market by a manufacturer of dry cell
batteries.

The illustration shows the way it works. It is warranted
not to jar loose, as it is self locking. It can be put on or re-
moved without the aid of pliers and insures a good and dur-
able contact. This connector is particularly useful on bat-
teries, coils and spark plugs where the apparatus is sub-
ject to constant vibration, as on vehicles, motor boats and
in many other places.

♦ + +

A new knd of conduit fitting designed by a metropolitan
manufacturer, is shown herewith and is meant for use at the
ends of exposed iron conduits of BX cable for separating and
insulating the wires as they leave the conduit. The device is
termed "CGR Pipelet," and is made of glazed porcelain
strong enough to prevent cracking or breaking, the base be-
ing of gray iron, electrically galvanized. It has the further

advantage of avoiding all twisting of wires, and the manufac-
turer also points out that it may be utilized for all combina-
tion work, motor installations, meter loops or wherever a
"condulet" is necessary. The device is being made in three
sizes — y2 in., ^4 in. and 1 in. — all of which are designed to
accommodate three wires.

■•$» **♦ ■•5*

The Milwaukee office of the Westinghouse Electric & Manu-
facturing Company, East Pittsburgh, Pa., is now located at
1527 First National Bank Building.

The American Ever-Ready Works' Chicago address has been
changed from 1238 South Michigan avenue to 371 1 South Ash-
land avenue.

Statement of the Ownership, Management, Circulation, etc.,
Required by the Act of Congress of August 24, 1912

of Electrical Age, published monthly at New York, N. Y.,
April 1, 1016.

State of New York
County of New York

Before me, a notary public, in and for the State and county
aforesaid, personally appeared Chas. B. Thompson who, having
been duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that he is
the Editor of the Electrical Age and that the following is, to
the best of his knowledge and belief, a true statement of the
ownership, management, (and if a daily paper, the circulation),
etc., of the aforesaid publication for the date shown in the above
caption, required by the Act of August 24, 1912, embodied in
section 443, Postal Laws and Regulations, printed on the re-
verse of this form, to wit :

1. That the names and addresses of the publisher, editor, man-
aging editor, and business manager are :

Name of — Post office address —

Publisher — Technical Journal Co., Inc., 233 Broadway, New
York.

Editor — Chas. B. Thompson, 233 Broadway, New York.

Managing Editor — Chas. B. Thompson, 233 Broadway, New
York.

Business Manager — William F. Eastman, 233 Broadway, New
York.

2. That the owners are: (Give names and addresses of in-
dividual owners, or, if a corporation, give its name and file-
names and addresses of stockholders owning or holding 1 per
cent, or more of the total amount of stock.) Technical Journal;
Co., Inc., 233 Broadway, New York ; Chas. B. Thompson, 233;
Broadway, New York ; William F. Eastman, 233 Broadway,,
New York; George H. May, Newton Center, Mass.

3. That the known bondholders, mortgagees, and other se-
curity holders owning or holding 1 per cent, or more of total;
amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities are: (If there
none, so state.) None.

That the two paragraphs next above, giving the names of the
owners, stockholders, and security holders, if any, contain not
only the list of stockholders and security holders as they appear
upon the books of the company but also, in cases where the
stockholder or security holder appears upon the books of the
company as trustee or in any other fiduciary relation, the name
of the person or corporation for whom such trustee is acting, is
given ; also that the said two paragraphs contain statements em-
bracing affiant's full knowledge and belief as to the circum-
stances and conditions under which stockholders and security
holders who do not appear upon the books of the company as
trustees, hold stock and securities in a capacity other than that
of a bona fide owner; and this affiant has no reason to believe
that any other person, association, or corporation has any inter-
est direct or indirect in the said stock, bonds, or other securi-
ties than as so stated by him.

5. That the average number of copies of each issue of this
publication sold or distributed through the mails or otherwise, to
paid subscribers during the six months preceding the date
shown above is — (This information is required from daily pub-
lications only.)

Chas. B. Thompson.

Editor

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 23rd day of March,
1916.

(seal.) Simon Levine.

(My commission expires March 30, 1916)

liinwiiiiiiii

i! ;l! I||i;l<i; :. I'l II1!1

The Ward Leonard Electric Company, Mount Vernon, New
York, has issued a new section to be added to their loose
leaf catalogue. This is section G-13 which covers their
Adaptor (plug and socket) resistance units.

The erection of a locomative repair shop for the Canadian
Pacific Railroad at Calgary, Alberta, Can., is the subject of
a folder recently issued by Westinghouse Church Kerr & Co.

Information on the electrically operated equipment of a
market at Ninety-fifth Street and Broadway, New York,
which is owned by Vincent Astor is contained in an attractively
illustrated pamphlet entitled, "The Ninety-Fifth Street Market."

High-tension disconnecting switches of the unit type are
described in Leaflet No. 910 of the Delta-Star Electric Co.,
of Chicago. A number of interesting pictures and diagrams
illustrate the use of the company's products.

"The A B C of Automobile Battery Charging" is a book-
let prepared by the Westinghouse Electric Mfg. Co. for dis-
tribution among owners of electric vehicles. It describes
mercury-vapor rectifiers and their accessories for home
charging.

Glassware in designs characteristic for various artitectural
periods is illustrated in a booklet sent out by the Jefferson
Glass Company of Follansbee, W. Va. Fittings for various
systems are shown and the leaves are perforated for inclu-
sion in a pocket binder.

"Willey" electrically driven tools, for many purposes are
described in a folder recently issued by the manufacturers,
the James Clark, Jr. Electric Company, of Louisville, Ky.
The line includes portable drills and grinders for bench and
tool-post use and motor-equipped drill-presses. Full details
are given in every case.

The Joseph G. Branch School of Engineering, of Chicago,
111., have just issued their catalog No. 6, describing their dif-
ferent correspondence courses of study. The need for tech-
nically trained men is so great and the prospects of the un-
trained man so indefinite that it will pay any ambitious
electrical worker to investigate. The catalogue may be had
for the asking.

The Sprague Electric Works, of the General Electric Co.,
New York City, have issued three bulletins of interest. No.
48907 describes the company's 500-pound Type I-5 electric
hoists for machine shops and other places; No. 48706 shows
alternating current motors and controllers for small rotary
and flat-bed printing presses; No. 49600 gives information
concerning the line of "Greenfield" flexible steel armored
conduit and cable, and fittings for use with it.

The C. & C. Electric Co., of Garwood, N. J., have publish-
ed a bulletin, presenting their well known direct current
motor, known as the Old Reliable. The motors are of the
four pole, interpole type, built in sizes from 1 to 125 hp.
The bulletin illustrates and describes the details of con-
struction of the parts and contains a complete table of ad-
justable and constant speed ratings, with full dimensions
of all frames. A copy of Bulletin 101 will be sent to anyone
on request.

Pass & Seymour, Inc., have put out a booklet for distribu-
tion to users of sockets under the title "The Gateway of
Electric Serrvice." It tells of the importance of sockets to any
installation.

An illustrated folder has been issued by W. N. Matthews
& Brother, Inc., St. Louis, Mo., which shows their "Scrulix"
screw anchors equipped with the improved "Thimpuleye" at-
tachment.

Harvey Hubbell, Inc., of Bridgeport, Conn., have recently
added three bulletins to their loose-leaf catalogue. Steel re-
flectors are listed in Bulletin 15-14; locking lamps in Bulletin
15-18, and small attachment plugs and caps in Bulletin 15-19.

The Eclipse Light Company, of 583-85 Broadway, New
York City, has issued a two hundred page catalog showing
its complete line of lighting fixtures, appliances and gas and
electric supplies, "The Leader in Light," and an eighty- two
page catalog displaying only Lighting Fixtures of Quality."

"Stentor" Autophones are described in a booklet recently
issued by the Stentor Electric Mfg. Co., Inc. These consist
of a high-power transmitter and a loud-speaking receiver for
use in communicating between passengers and chauffeur in
automobiles.

The M. W. Dunton Company, 150 Niagara Street, Provi-
dence, R. I., has issued an illustrated brochure, containing help-
ful suggestions from users of "Nokorode" soldering paste,
entitled "Soldering Kink News No. 5." A thirty-two page book
entitled "Soldering Kinks" containing information published in
previous folders and which sells for a nominal sum, has also
been issued by the company.

The Western Electric Company has issued a new catalog
of Inter-phones and accessories in which the complete line
of Inter-phones, the company's trade name for the inter-
communicating-telephone it manufactures, is shown at length.
The various systems available for intercommunication are
fully explained with diagrams showing the service given by
each. This is accompanied by complete information as to
the amount of wire and cable required as well as the operating
battery requirements: ,//

"A-B Transformers for Lighting and Power" is the title
of a new folder on Adams-Bagnall transformers for lighting
and power service. This folder gives views of some of the
classes of single and three-phase transformers, low and high
voltage distributing and power transformers, constant current
regulating transformers for street lighting work, etc., which
are offered by this company.

"The Potentiometer System of Pyrometry" is the title of
bulletin No. 875, issued by The Leeds & Northrup Company,
4901 Stenton Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. The twenty-eight
pages of this bulletin contain many illustrations and explain
tme principles of this system of pyrometry in detail. The
bulletin also describes the indicating and recording types of
pyrometer sets. A discussion of the adaptability of this
method of pyrometry to location of the transformation points
in the heat treatment of special steels is given on the last few
pages of the bulletin.

June, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

(Continued from page 34)

finally published under the name, "A Treatise on Electricity
and Magnetism" in 1871 and the following year was extended
as to its scope in "A Theory of Heat." Both of these works
took immediate place among the foremost on these subjects
and made their author's fame secure.

All this activity of the first order took place in the compass
of a short life. He had taught in London only eight years
when the state of his health became such as to force his re-
tirement to his country estate in Scotland. Somewhat im-
proved by his residence there, he became professor of ex-
perimental physics at Cambridge, in 1871. Only eight years
later, he died at the age of forty-eight.

His last years were taken up with the development of the
department of science at Cambridge and some work on the
kinetic theory of gases. As he felt the end coming on — and
from the nature of his desease, he had ample warning — he
devoted much thought to spiritual things, giving evidence at
all times of the highest type of Christian faith and fortitude.

Maxwell was a handsome and kindly man; always ex-
tremely popular with his associates, students and all who
were privileged to know him. His powerful mind was ever
at the service of his friends and perhaps few men have led
better rounded and more useful lives.

At the International Electric Congress, held in Paris in
1900, the memory of Maxwell was honored in giving his name
to the unit of flux in a magnetic circuit — the unit correspond-
ing to the ampere in electrical circuits. He was the first
Scotchman to be so distinguished.

Immediately following the annual convention of the II
luminating Engineering Society in Philadelphia on September
21 to 28, there will be given a course of lectures on the principles
of illumination and various aspects of lighting practice

The new course will include about 20 lectures by men selected
on account of their qualification to deal authoritatively with the
several phases of the subject.

Associated with the lectures will be an exhibition at the
University of the latest developments in illuminating appliances,
including lamps, accessories, photometers, etc., together with
novel applications of light. This exhibition is expected to be
of great educational value. In connection with the course there
will be organized an inspection tour which is expected to be
of particular interest and value for those who come from a
distance. This will be laid out in such a manner as to afford
the maximum of educational value with a minimum of time
and expense. It will include visits to manufacturing establish-
ments, laboratories, lighting companies and notable lighting in-
stallations.

The price of tickets for the lecture course has been fixed at
$25 which includes admission to all lectures and functions as-
sociated with the lecture course and reprints of the lectures
delivered in this and in a similar course given in 1910.

Hia<®p§

For the benefit of the office force and foremen of its new Har-
vard avenue shops, the Cleveland Railway Company has fitted up
a kitchen and dining room in the basement of the office building.
A charge of $1.50 per week is made, payable in advance, and any
"profits" are divided among the members in ' proportion to the
number of meals they have had, thus putting a premium on regu-
larity of attendance. The average cost per meal is about 22c.
One woman devotes all her time to the cooking, etc., while a
girl from the office assists her in serving.

More than five thousand members of the American Institute
of Electrical Engineers and their guests attended a meeting held
simultaneously in nine cities of the United States. By the cour-
tesy of the American Telephone and Telegraph Company the
widely scattered groups were assembled virtually under a single
roof, christened by one of the speakers as "Carty's Hall." For
every one present there was a telephone receiver, and for the
speakers' table a transmitter as well, all of which were linked
by the Transcontinental Telephone Line. The roll of cities was
called by President John J. Carry, to which the number present
at each place was given by the local presiding officer. These
were :

Atlanta, 500; San Francisco, 700; Boston, 900; Philadelphia,
850; Chicago, 1,000; New York, 1,100. At Denver and Salt
Lake City the small gatherings listened, and sent thir greetings to
New York over the auxiliary Morse wire.

The election of officers for the ensuing year was announced
as follows : officers are : President, H. W. Buck, New York ; vice-
president, L. T. Robinson, Schenectady, N. Y. ; Peter Junkers-
feld, Chicago, 111. ; B. A. Behrend, Boston, Mass. ; managers,
John D. Fisken, Spokane, Wash. ; Charles Robbins, Pittsurgh,
Pa.; N. A. Carle, Newark, N. J., and Charles S. Ruffner, St.
Louis, Mo. ; treasurer, George A. Hamilton, St. Louis, Mo. F.
L. Hutchinson was re-elected secretary.

Following a brief speech of acceptance by President-Elect
Buck, greetings were extended by Dr. Alexander Graham Bell,
inventor of the telephone, Theodore N. Vail, president of the
American Telephone & Telegraph Company, C. Le Maistre, of
London, and Thomas A. Watson, Dr. Bell's assistant in the
discovery of the telephone. Each section then held a "local
session" at which addresses were delivered by local speakers.
The receivers were then reconnected to the line and national
melodies were played by phonographs at each city. Greetings
from Dr. Mikail I. Pupin, inventor of the loading-coil and
from R. W. Pope, honorary secretary of the institute, closed
the meeting.

Users of Commonwealth Edison service in Chicago will
benefit to the extent of $1,000,000 per year from "rate reduc-
tions announced by the company on May 18th. The changes
in the schedules are:

Retail: first 30 kw-hrs. reduced from 10 cents to 9 cents per
kw-hr. next 30 kw-hrs. 5 cents per kw-hr.
All additional, 3 cents per kw-hr.
Wholesale: first 50 kw-hrs. direct current reduced from
$2.60 to $2.20 alternating current, from $2.40
to $2.00

next 1000 kw-hr. formerly 5 ")

, , now next 5000

cents per kw-hr.

1 1 r 1 r kw-hr. 3 cents

next 4000 kw-hr. formerly

, , per kw-hr.

3 cents per kw-hr. J

In his speech of welcome to the N. E. L. A. Convention
Mayor Thompson expressed his hearty approval of the Com-
pany's policy of voluntary rale reduction:

"Believing that public service corporations should be
commended when they do right, as well as condemned
when they do wrong, I accept this occasion as most fit-
ting to make public acknowledgment as mayor of
Chicago, of the appreciation of our citizens of the volun-
tary reduction of the charges for electricity recently an-
nounced by the Commonwealth Edison Company of this
city. This great company, represented in this associa-
tion by your worthy president, is patronized by nearly
300,000 customers who will benefit by this commendable
act."

■)ff mmm^

The Interborough Rapid Transit Company is planning for the
construction of a power house on Jerome avenue near Kings-
bridge Road to cost about $40,000. George H. Pegram, 165
Broadway, New York, is chief engineer.

The City Commissioners of Clarksdale, Mississsippi, will short-
ly install in the new additon to their power-house a 625-kv-a.,
3-phase, 60-cycle, 2300-volt turbo-generator w'th direct-connected
exciter, the associated condenser and cooling towers, and a
200-kw. generator direct-connected to a uniflow engine.

* * *

A deal for lighting the railroad yards at Mauch Chunk is re-
ported to have been closed by the Mauch Chunk, Heat, Light &
Power Company with the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company. In
order to furnish electricity to the Lehighton Eletric Light &
Power Company, the company is considering extending its trans-
mission lines to Lehighton.

.♦. .♦* .♦♦

The Brush Electric Co., of Galveston, Texas, Mr. W. R.
Phipps, general manager, has purchased machinery for improve-
ments, the cost of which is $10,000. They will install a 500-kw.,
3-wire rotary converter, 125-250-volts ; and a 50 kw., 125-volt,
d.c. generator, direct connected to induction motor, 3-phase, 60-
cycle, 2300-volt (for exciter unit).

*$* «J* ■■$*

A novel contest was the feature of a "sociability run" of elec-
tric vehicles held on May 19 by the New York Electrical Vehicle
Association. The course of 19 miles ending at an attractive
country club, had previously been covered by a pilot car— and
the woman driver whose running-time most nearly approached
83 minutes and 30 seconds, the time of the pilot, was declared
the winner. Forty-two cars were entered, and the expressions
of pleasure from all who took part were most decided.

* ♦ *

A plant on Little Red River is under consideration by the
Arkansas Hydro-electric Development Co., A. R. Amos, Pres't.,
609 State Bank Bldg., Little Rock, Ark. They will construct
a dam 150 ft. high, 1,000 ft. on top, 300 at bottom, 150,000 cu.
yds. concrete, 80 mi. transmission to Little Rock, cost $640,000;
160 mi. Little Rock and Memphis, cost $1,280,000; total develop-
ment of 54,000 hp. on 2 sites. The entire plant is estimated to
cost $5,000,000; Messrs. Dickinson & Watkins, 610 State Bank
Bldg., Little Rock, are the engineers.

* ♦> »>

A "Pan-American Joint Engineering Committee was organ-
ized this month by the American Society of Civil Engineers,
the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the American
Institute of Electrical Engineers "in order that the professional
engineers of the country make take their part in the great
movement which is under way to establish more intimate and
sympathetic relations among the various American nations." The
object of this organization is to promote the growth of inter-
est in the South American field of enterprise among profes-
sional men. The committee is composed of Messrs. B. J. Cres-
son, Jr.; Chandler Davis, P. W. Henry, Edgar Marburg, Charles
T. Plunkett, William H. Bixby, S. W. Stratton, Ambrose Swasey,
Carl C. Thomas, Walter H. Altridge, F. K. Copeland, W. H.
Leonard, P. N. Moore, Joseph W. Richards, Gano Dunn, John
F. Finney, Calvert Townley, Charles W. Stone, Fred. Lavis,
secretary, William McClellan, chairman.

The Glenmora Light & Power Co., of Glenmora, La., will
spend $7,500 to construct a plant ; 30 kw., and 6 mi. transmission ;
ultimately 50 hp. development. Mr. F. P. Joseph is the man-
ager and engineer.

>+♦ »♦«. **♦

A bonus of $5 per month has been offered to all men employed
for continuous service by the National Carbon Company at
Fremont, Ohio. The bonus for the women and girls will be
$3 per month. More than 400 persons are employed by the plant.
The offer is made to both time and piece workers.

* * *

The Alaska-Gastineau Mining Company, of Juneau, Alaska,
has added an additional 12,000 hp. to its generating plant by driv-
ing a tunnel through a mountain and tapping the bottom of
Annex Lake. Annex Lake is i1/- miles long, % mile wide and
about 200 ft. deep. The additional 12,000 hp. gives the company
18,000 hp. for use at the mines.

♦ ♦> ♦

The Western States Gas & Electric Company Eureka (Cali-
fornia) division recently started work on a two mile exten-
sion to connect a gold dredger in Trinity County. Work has
also, been started on a pipe line to connect the Company's
new water wheel and generator to be installed at its hydro-
electric plant.

♦ ♦♦♦ *

More than half of the $44,000 new 7% preferred stock is-
sued by the San Diego Consolidated Gas and Electric Com-
pany has already been sold to residents of the community.
Sales during the first two weeks after the stock was offered
the public in newspaper advertisements were $74,200, the
shares being bought at par. There were 51 investors, only
three of whom availed themselves of the partial payment
feature.

*$* *•♦* ***

A gain of 78.8% in manufactured products in five years is
a record of which the people of Birmingham, Alabama, are
justly proud. The Census Bureau's report for 1914 shows
$43,144,000 worth turned out in that year, in spite of the de-
pression in iron, the chief industry of the city. An even
larger increase was made in the capital invested in manufac-
turing. In 1909 this was $23,718,000, and in 1914, $55,844,000
a gain of 135%.. A census taken at the present prosperous
time would make a. much better showing.

* * *

Some interesting figures on generation costs are given by
the Shanghai, China, Municipal Electric Light Plant in its re-
port for 1915. The total power generated was 62,291,443 kw.-hr.
which cost $469,310, or $.00753 Per kw.-hr. This cost was sub-
divided as follows :

Cost %

Coal $222,500 47.7

Oil, Water, Waste, Stores . 19,650 3.9

Wages 36,720 7-9

Repairs and Maintenance . . 100,700 21.4

Rent and Taxes 13,140 2.8

Management Expenses . . . 76,600 16.3

$469,310 100.0

The plant has a total of over 1200 electric radiators in service,
representing a connected load of more than 2400 kw. For this
service the rate is 1.32 cents per kw.-hr.

June, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

Children of the grade school in Frecport, 111., are taught
to read electric light meters.

The Capitol building of the State of Pennsylvania at
Harrisburg, following the lead of. other State capitols, will
be illuminated in the near future by flood-lighting. The
projectors will be mounted on nearby buildings and other
points of advantage.

The Muncie, Indiana, Electric Light Company and the city
•officials are negotiating for the installation of an ornamental
street-lighting system. The company is considering the con-
struction of a new office building to cost about $45,000.

I hiring the coming summer and fall in the eastern part of
Washington approximately $260,000 will be expended for improve-
ments which will include the construction of a concrete sub-
station in North Yakima, by the Portland Power & Light Co.
which operates in both Oregon and Washington.

The Royal Theater property at Pearl and Willoughby streets,
together with seven frame dwellings standing between the thea-
ter and the Edison company's building in Pearl street, have been
purchased by the Brooklyn Edison Electric Illuminating Com-
pany. The company is planning to expend $1,000,000 to build an
additon to its plant.

The electrical department of the Frankel Display Fixture Com-
pany has recently been incorporated under the title of Frankel
Connector Company, Inc., to carry on the manufacture of Frank-
el Solderless Connectors, Frankel Testing Clips and other
electrical specialties.

The office and factory of the company are located at 177-179
Hudson street, New York City.

It was announced by Mayor Lindsley, of Dallas, Tex., that the
traction, electric lighting and power properties of the Stone &
Webster Engineering Corporation, of Boston, Mass., were to be
taken over by the United Electric Securities Company, a sub-
sidiary of the General Electric Company, in Dallas. New com-
panies will be organized under the law of Texas to operate the
properties. Extensions to cost about $2,000,000 will be made
to the traction and lighting systems.

The Ward Leonard Electric Company, manufacturers of elec-
tric controlling devices, has moved into its new building at
Mount Vernon, N. Y. The increased demand for floor space
and labor operators is the reason for changing. The Ward
Leonard Electric Company started manufacturing electric con-
trolling devices in Bridgeport, Conn, in 1892. After two years
in Bridgeport, and three years in Hoboken, N. J., they moved to
Bronxville, N. Y. and have been manufacturing in Bronxville
since 1897. Mount Vernon is nearer New York City than
Bronxville — as a matter of fact the new factory is 150 feet
from the city limits.

The Connecticut Company, of New Haven, Connecticut,
has awarded a contract to The J. G. White Engineering Cor-
poration of New York, for the engineering and construction
of a new steam power plant at New Haven, Connecticut.
The plans for this power station are being prepared for an
ultimate capacity of 100,000 kilowatts. Construction work
on the foundation for this plant will begin this week.

This plant will take the place of the Company's old direct
current station at New Haven, and probably two sub-stations
will be built in New Haven for local distribution of current
to the Connecticut Company's lines. The current generated
by this new plant will be in addition to the electrical en-
ergy delivered to the Connecticut Company's lines by its
other important stations among which are those located at
Waterbury, Bridgeport, Hartford, and Berlin, Connecticut.

The Roller-Smith Company has removed from 203 Broadway
to 233 Broadway (Woolworth Building), New York, necessitated
by the company's requirement for additional space.
*♦«■ ♦♦♦ ♦♦«■

At Cuenca, Ecuador, an electric light plant is under con-
struction, the machinery being furnished by the General Electric
Company. A municipal plant is to be erected at Daule, and a
water and light plant at Tulean.

>♦♦ »♦♦ ♦♦♦

The Ardmore Railway Co., of Ardmore, Oklahoma, is pre-
paring to build fireproof sheds and car-shops for its rolling-
stock. The. general contractor, I. M. Putnam, of Ardmore, is in
the market for street-railway material of all sorts.

The Minneapolis General Electrical Company has put in
effect an electric-cooking rate of 2.5 cents per kilowatt-hour,
less 5 per cent for pr'ompt payment. The rate applies to all
electric energy used in residences after the first 6 kw.-hr.
per room per month, all energy used by the customer meas-
ured by the one meter.

>♦♦ »** »♦♦

Northern States Power Company Faribault division will
construct a high tension line between the Waterford switch-
ing station and the sub-station at Northfield, so that the St.
Paul and Cannon Falls lines may be controlled locally and
prevent possibility of interruption to the service in the North-
field district.

♦ ♦ ♦

The erection of a second tower transmission line from the
Feather River Power plant to Oakland, Cal., as well as a second
power house on the Feather River is under consideration by
the Great Western Power Company, of San Francisco. The com-
pany proposes further development of its hydroelectric proper-
ties in the Feather River Canyon and to erect additional distri-
bution lines.

* ♦♦♦ *

An electric-light and ice plant will be erected by the Kusa
Ice, Light & Power Co. at Kusa, Okla. Mr. R. C. Clark, of
Kansas City, Mo., is president and treasurer ; Mr. John F. Gosh-
orn, of Kusa, is the secretary. The company will install two
75-kw. direct-connected units and two 30-ton refrigerating ma-
chines with necessary equipment. The work is at present under
way on one unit of each.

♦ * *

Ordinarily a live copper circuit is about as safe from thieves as
a red-hot stove. Out in Kansas they must have "rubber-fingered
gentry" who are expert with pliers and hack-saws, for they
stole a length of 500-volt circuit while it was carrying power.
More serious for the power company, however, was the theft of
1500 feet of underground cable, taken in section-lengths from a
6600- volt line serving Cement City. This line was dead at the
time, and the trouble was first made known by the tripping of
circuit-breakers when next i't was put into service. The stolen
cable was replaced in thirty-six hours.

■*■** *** *♦*

A new office building for the Durham (N. C.) Traction
Company, operated by Henry L. Doherty & Company is
under advisement. This building will be erected in one end
of the business section where a suitable location has been
found on a corner plot for an excellent display of interior
and exterior lighting, good display windows and salesroom.
All cars pass this spot and sufficient space will be provided
to take care of all the various departments comfortably.

General Manager R. L. Lindsey plans to equip the top floor
for club rooms with reading, writing and bath rooms and a
few bed rooms for emergencies. It is planned to have gen-
eral recreation rooms located centrally for all departments
with the idea in mind to encourage a mixing and general
get-together of all employees of the company.

ELECTRICAL A

June, 19K

Once More We Extend

Congratulations

to the members of the electrical industry and
Convention City. The opportunity to do this
another year is indeed a privilege. It indicates
that the men who have made possible

The Thirty-ninth Convention of

The National Electric Light

Association

have been working unceasingly in the interest
of the electrical industry of America. That in-
dividuals and companies throughout the country
will benefit by these efforts is the belief of

The New York Edison Company

At Your Service

General Offices: Irving Place and 15th Street

New York City

L±

The Monthly Authority of the Trade

JUNE, 1916

4i8B M®. <B.

The "roller-bearing" wireway
in DURADUCT is to the
wire what roller bearings
are to your automobile.

p.s.

Duraduct is the only
duct with the "roller-
bearing" wireway.

ELECTRICAL AGE

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Developing the Biggest
Lamp Market

The biggest market for the development of
new lamp business is the industrial field.

Every manufacturing establishment needs
the best light obtainable, but very few have
even fair lighting systems.

The manufacturing industry of the country
should be educated in the proper use of lamps
and lighting. That is your job and ours.

We show here a few of the Westinghouse
Mazda Advertisements which have been read
by the managers of textile mills, steel mills,
machine shops and other industrial plants dur-
ing the past year.

aggressive publicity will help you
your business in the biggest unde-
veloped lamp market that exists.

increase

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Let us help you make your plans.

Guaranteed

the Name

Westinghouse Lamp Co.

mi
limn
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[iiimiiiiiiu

Atlanta

Baltimore

Boston

Buffalo

Butte

Chicago

Cincinnati
Cleveland
Columbus
'Dallas
Denver
Detroit

Kansas City
Los Angeles
Milwaukee
New York
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh

Portland
St. Louis
Salt Lake
San Francisco
Seattle
Syracuse

Westinghouse Lamp Corporation.

Export Sales Department — 165 Broadway, N. Y. C.

For Canada — Canadian Westinghouse Company, Limited, Hamilton, Ont.

Member Society for Electrical Development

Do it Electrically.

June, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

USE THESE MOTOR SALES HELPS

ASK OUR NEAREST HOUSE FOR YOUR SUPPLY

SAVt'TIME AND FREIGHT

9?REI

Western Electric Company,

I INCORPORATED # A f

M'E M B E R O

New York Atlanta Chicago

Buffalo Richmond Milwaukee

Newark Savannah Indianapolis

Philadelphia New Orleans Detroit

Boston Birmingham Cleveland

Kansas City San Francisct

St. Louis Oakland

Dallas Los Angeles

Houston Seattle

Oklahoma City Portland

Pittsburgh Cincinnati Minneapolis St Paul Omaha Denvn Salt Lake City

iWr^wKMETjovg EQUIPMENT FOR EVERY ELECTRICAL NEED

ELECTRICAL AGE

June, 1916

Peirce Universal

Lightning Arrestors

The
Arrestor

Phantom view of Arrestor showing pipe choke coil,
line wire and ground wire.

Its
Installation

'OU KNOW from experience in
wiring houses in conduit that an
iron pipe is a most effective
choke coil for one line wire,
even at light and power frequencies.
Imagine its effect at the high frequencies
of lightning discharges! This is why the
Universal Arrestor contains a short
piece of iron pipe through which your
line wire passes, as is shown in the
phantom view at the left. The Uni-
versal is the only arrestor for distri-
bution lines that has a choke coil. This
means that it is the only one that will
keep a lightning charge from circulating
all over your system until it finds a weak
spot, which is usually in a transformer.
The lightning can't get by the Universal
—it simply has to jump the horn gap
to the ground. And the power arc
which follows quickly blows itself out
on the horns.

Simplicity is the keynote of the Universal
Arrestor. It has no moving parts, housings or
supports, and requires no crossarm room. It is
clamped directly on a line wire, out of the way
of your linemen, and requires no cleaning or
inspecting whatever.

What'savings Universal Arrestors will make
for you can best be judged by what they have
made for other companies during the four years
they have been in service. In one case a dis-
trict which should have had 950 arrestors was
given 74. Formerly this district had averaged
150 burntout transformers each year. But with
only 8 per cent of its proper equipment of
Universals the burnouts have been reduced to
an average of 40 per year. These burnouts
average $20.00 apiece, and the arrestors cost
about $4.00 apiece installed.

At this rate, how much money would you

Universal Arrestor on a single phase lighting circuit. Save 111 & year On your System.
Read Pages 151-5 of your Hubbard Catalogue or write us for your copy of Bulletin 17.

HUBBARD AND COMPANY - - - Pittsburgh

New York Chicago San Francisco

Method of installing Universal Arrestor.

Its
Results

June, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

NATIONAL MAZDA
AUTO LAMPS

Complete For Any Car

The National Mazda Auto Lamp Kit contains
a complete set of six lamps — head, side, rear and
instrument lights — for any car. Includes a pair of
the new, much-sought-after Mazda C Headlights!

Eight Lamp Kit assortments fill the require-
ments of nearly all the cars.

The new "National Guide to Proper Lamps"
tells every LAMP needed on every American made
car for 1916, '15, '14, '13, and the "National Guide
to Auto Lamp Kits" shows at a glance which KIT
supplies the proper lamps for any car. Either
Guide sent free on request.

The Auto Lamp Cabinet

Here's a Cabinet of 100 National Mazda Auto Lamps,
so selected that they care for the wants of 90% of Ameri-
can made cars! Maximum assortment — minimum stock.
The Cabinet itself is a salesman. On counter, in window,
it's a persistent auto lamp advertiser. For selling indi-
vidual lamps as required, and for refilling the kits, you
need this 100-lamp Cabinet.

The Flashlight Lamp Case

Contains 100 lamps for flashlights and electric hand lanterns.
Display the case on counter, in window, and get this easy lamp
renewal business! It comes without effort and is easy to fill, for
a simple index system helps you to produce instantly the proper
lamp for any regularly manufactured flashlight or single cell
hand lantern.

InniiliiiiPliHi (H)

xjgsey or cctehai euctoc c

Nela Park Cleveland

Member Society for Electrical Development. "Do It Electrically "

ELECTRICAL AGE

June, 1916

STACK
PAINT

Proper protection for smoke stacks demands a paint capable of
withstanding the effects of high temperatures.

Such a paint to be efficient and successful must be scientifically
made from pigments which embody the necessary qualities to stand up
in the service and under the most severe conditions.

Superior Graphite Paint

For 25 years we have been specializing on paints to meet difficult condi-
tions. One of our most successful products is Superior Graphite Paint for smoke
stacks, boiler fronts and all hot surfaces.

Its splendid record in this service is due to the fact that the ore from which
Superior Graphite Paint is made is a product of great heat, and when properly
ground and mixed with an oil already boiled to a high degree, there is nothing
in it that heat will affect.

For Central Station work, our line includes SUPERIOR GRAPHITE
PAINT for roofs, structural steel, metal poles, stacks, boiler fronts and hot sur-
faces; DEGRACO MACHINERY ENAMELS for painting the various pieces
of machinery; DEGRACO POLE PAINT for wooden poles; DEGRACO
CONCRETE WALL AND FLOOR PAINT for concrete walls, floors, etc.;
ST A- WHITE, a white enamel finish for interiors; DEGRACO METER
ENAMELS for meters, dynamos, generators, etc.

SUPERIOR GRAPHITE PAINT a special stack formulaTii pro-
tecting the stacks and boiler fronts in a large number of Central Stations and
power plants throughout the country. Its great durability and large covering
capacity make it a good business investment.

FULL INFORMATION ON REQUEST

DETROIT GRAPHITE COMPANY

DEPT. 671 Paint Makers DETROIT, MICH.

200 ft. Stack of
the Omaha Power
& Light Co., paint-
ed with Superior
Graphite Paint.

'i~r-

:y\

SUPERIOR

IGRAPHITE PAIN1

r*^ BRIDGES ^-'X
( METAL™ WOODEN SURFACES %
"Sss^ ROOFS.TANKS. _^<

^ PAINT MAKERS ■

June, igi6

E L E CTRICAL AGE

Examine the Bearings When You Buy
Induction Motors

The bearings of an
induction motor are
about the only parts
which are subject to
wear. You can measure
the service a motor will
give by the strength
and durability of the
bearings.

Unusual strength
and durability are con-
spicuously apparent in
the bearings of the
Robbins & Myers Type
"K" Motor. So great
is the factor of safety in
their design that one
end head and bearing
can be removed, allow-
ing the weight of the
rotor to be carried on
one bearing alone, and the motor will operate without vibration or heating
in the remaining bearing. This test has been made time and again with Type
"K." We invite you to make the test on any Type "K" motor.

In addition to their great strength and durability, Type "K" bearings are
dust proof. They will give years of service in localities where dust and grit
fill the air, as in cement mills, mines, etc.

The Type "K" bearing insures long, reliable service for the user and
good will for the dealer or contractor who sells the motor.

Bulletin No. 123 gives complete specifications of this motor in sizes from
1-4 to 25 horse-power. Copy on request.

THE ROBBINS & MYERS COMPANY

SPRINGFIELD, OHIO

New York Boston Philadelphia Rochester Cleveland

Cincinnati Chicago St. Louis San Francisco

ELECTRICAL AGE

June, 1916

LABORATORY

WASHING THE GUM

MILLING THE STOCK

Some of the Various Stages

In the Manufacture of the

DEPENDABLE BRANDS

TAPE

CALENDERING THE STOCK

MADE BY

MIXING THE STOCK

THE MECHANICAL RUBBER CO.

CLEVELAND

ROLLING THE TAPE

MAKING BOXES AND CARTONS

June, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

xu.Au

*<J

.r^r^

THIRTY-FIVE OF THE MOST MODERN BUILDINGS ON THE PACIFIC COAST
are illustrated in this composite picture.

SHERARDIZED RIGID STEEL CONDUIT

is used exclusively in every one of them. These are the buildings represented:

Pasadena, Cal.

Citizens Sav. Bank Bldg.
Polytechnic High School

Bakersfield, Cal.
Kern County Court House

Los Ange'es, Cal.

Merritt Building

Broadway Dept. Store

Haas Building

Citizens Nat'l Bank Bldg.

J.W. Robinson Dept. Store

Oakland, Cal.

Municipal Auditorium

Oxnard, Cal.

American Beet Sugar Fac'y

San Diego, Cal.

Power Plant

Portland, Ore.

Broadway Bridge

Jefferson High School

Lipman-Wolfe Dept. Store

Morgan Building

Multnomah County Library

Pittock Block

Pacific Tel. & Tel. Bldg.

Reed Institute

San Francisco, Cal.
Bohemian Club

Cortez Hotel

Grattan School

Hall of Justice

Municipal Auditorium

Phelan .Residence

Polytechnic High School

St. Ignatius Church

Spring Val. Gram. School

Boston
New York
Chicago
Atlanta
Denver

S 15

National Metal Molding 6

* Manufacturers, of vi-^

Electrical Conduits &• Fittings
1108 Fulton Building. PITTSBURGH PA.

Seattle, Wash.

Bell St. Dock & Warehouse

Broadway High School

King County Court House

Lauder St. Dock & Whse.

ISears-Roebuck Addition

Sacramento, Cal.
Court House

South Pasadena, Cal.

South Pasadena High

School

San Francisco

Los Angeles

Portland

Seattle

Buffalo

Detroit

SHERARDUCT

v*. ..

We Make
'em all!

Chattanooga Armature Works

Chattanooga, Tennessee

w if IP

ELECTRICAL AGE

June/ 1916

'From Coal to Customer"

requires many connections in your power and substations. The current
surge that may burn out soldered connections will be safel> carried if
those connections are made secure and reliable with

Dossert Connectors and Terminals

Time and labor saving as well as affording easy connection or dis-
connection, whether for temporary use or that ever-present central
station consideration — obsolescence. "

Tighten them up — leave them alone and the connections are per-
manent; not only that, but in the event of trouble DOSSERT CON-
NECTORS will carry overloads great enough to melt the conductor
to which they are attached.

Made in every necessary size and form for all conceivable con-
nections from No. 14 to 2,500,000 C. M. conductors.

If you are not using DOSSERT CONNECTORS you
the advantages secured to our old customers who are
of them every year.

Efficiency, Safety and Economy in
Installation, Service and Maintenance

Ask for our Tenth Year Catalogue

Dossert & Company

H. B. LOGAN, Pres.

242 W. 41st Street

New York City

Illustration shows Typical Installation of Dossert Cable Taps Tapping
from Solid to Stranded Conductors

are missing
using more

These Jobbers are Always Waiting for Your Orders on

LIST OF OSHKOSH JOBBERS

AMARILLO, TEXAS

Nuun Elec. Co.

BALTIMORE

Southern Elec. Co.

BOSTON

Pettingell-Andrews Co.

Wetmore-Savage Co.

BUFFALO, N. Y.

Robertson-Cataract Elec. Go.

BUTTE, MONT.

Montana Elec. Co.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA.

.T. B. Terry Co.

CHICAGO, ILL.

Central Elec. Co.

Illinois Elec. Co.

CINCINNATI, O.

Post-Glover Elec. Co.

F. D. Lawrence Elec. Co.

CLEVELAND, O.

Lockwood-Luetkeinever-Henry C<

DALLAS, TEXAS

Southwest General Elec. Co.

Electric Appliance Co.

DENVER, COLO.

Hendrie Bolthoff Mfg. Co.

FORT WAYNE, IND.

Protective Elec. Supply Co.

INDIANAPOLIS, IND.

Drew Elec. & Ivits:. <jo.

JACKSONVILLE, FLA.

Florida Elec. Co.

KANSAS CITY, MO.

B-R Elec. & Tel. Mfg. Co.

Funsten Elec. Co.

LINCOLN, NEB.

Korsmeyer Company

LOS ANGELES, CAL.

Pacific States Elec. Co.

LOUISVILLE, KY.

Jas. Clarke, Jr., Elec. Co.

MEMPHIS, TENN.

Electric Supply Co.

MILWAUKEE, WIS.

Julius Andrae & Sons

OSHKOSH TOOLS

The fact that these reputable job-,
bers and supply houses whom you
will recognize as occupying an im-
portant place in the electrical in-
dustry, carry OSHKOSH CON-
STRUCTION TOOLS — "speaks,
well for the tools." Jobbers pre-
fer to handle "good sellers" — ; they
like to sell what the public de-
mands and the telephone public
prefers OSHKOSH TOOLS.
If you haven't a copy of the OSH-
KOSH CATALOGUE, ask your
jobber or write us and remember
that your jobber is anxious to re-
ceive your OSHKOSH ORDER.

And The WESTERN ELECTRIC
COMPANY at all its branches

Oshkosh Manufacturing

Company

Oshkosh Wisconsin

AGENTS

H. B. SQUIRES COMPANY
San Francisco

F. K. SIMONS ELECTRIC CO.

Widener Bldg., Philadelphia

LIST OF OSHKOSH JOBBERS

NEW ORLEANS, LA.

Electric Appliance Co.

Interstate Elec. Co.

NEW YORK

Northwestern Elec. Equip*t Co.

NORFOLK, VA.

Woodliouse Elec. Co.

OMAHA, NEB.

McGraw Elec. Co.

Mid-West Elec. Co.

PHILADELPHIA

H. C. Roberts Elec. Co.

Rumsey Elec. Co:

Powell, Clouds & Co.

PITTSBURGH

Union Elec. Co.

PORTLAND, ORE.

Pacific States Elec. Co.

Fobes Supply Co.

RICHMOND, VA.

Tower-Binford Elec. Co.

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH

Inter-Mountain Elec. Co.

SAN FRANCISCO
Pacific States Elec. Co.

SEATTLE, WASH.

Pacific States Elec. Co.

Fobes Supply Co.

Washington Elec. Supply Co.

SIOUX CITY, IA.

McGraw Elec. Co.

ST. JOSEPH, MO.

Columbian Elec. Co.

ST. LOUIS, MO.

Wesco Elec. Supply Co.

ST. PAUL, MINN.

Northwestern Elec. Equip't Co.

St. Paul Elec. Co.

SYRACUSE

Mohawk Elec. Supply Co.

H. C. Roberts Elec. Co.

WACO, TEXAS

Waco Elec. Co.

WASHINGTON, D. C.

National Elec. Supplv Co.

WICHITA, KANS.

United Elec. Co.

June, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

This border is engraved from a photograph of
REALFLEX Armored Conductor wound around
BUCKEYE Conduit.

The latter was bent cold.

The REALFLEX is our "14-2" and the conduit
is 1 1-4 inch BUCKEYE Black Enameled.

Are they easy-working? See for yourself.
The Western Conduit Company

(Subsidiary to Tbe Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co.)

Youngstown, Ohio

DISTRICT SALES OFFICES:
SO Church Street - - New York, N.Y.
604 Mission Street - San Francisco, Cal.
1563 McCormick Bldg. - - Chicago, 111.
1626 Oliver Bldg. - - Pittsburgh, Pa.
7^5 Firtt National Bank Bldg. Denver, Col.
915 Busch Bldg. - - - Dallas, Texas
REPRESENTED BY

The W. A. Bonnell Co.

E. R Bryant

Walker Bros & Haviland

Electric Agencies Co.

McNair Electric Sales Co

902 Third National Bank Bldg. St. Louis, Mo.
56 5 Central Bldg. - - Seattle, Wash.

1514 Healey Bldg - - - Atlanta, Ga.
1518 Widener Bldg. - Philadelphia. Pa.

120 Franklin Street - - Boston. Mass.

132 Church Street

81 High Street
1532 Sansom Street
247 Minna Street

Central Bldg.
27 Woodw ard Ave.

New York. N.Y.

Boston, Mass.

Philadelphia, Pa.

San Francisco, Cal.

Los Angeles. Cal.

Detroit, Mich.

pr.

Improve Your Power Factor

A Ms- Chalmers
Synchronous Motors

and

Synchronous
Condensers

Meet Every Requirement
for Power Factor Correction

Synchronous Motors - Built in all types— for belted,
coupled or direct connected service.

They are self starting.

One of these modern machines on your power
circuit may be used for power purposes as well as
corrective effect, or it may be used for power factor
correction only

Let us help solve your power problems

Allis- Chalmers Manufacturing Company

Offices in All Principal Cities

Milwaukee, Wis.

Canadian Representatives: Canadian Allis- Chalmers, Ltd., Toronto, Ont.

ELECTRICAL AGE

June, 1916

THE leading electrical engineers
all over the world know that
OKONITE Insulated Wires and Cables
never disappoint. Their knowledge
ran be made your gain.
When you get the habit of using
OKONITE Insulated Wires and Cables,
you have met success more than half

■;;• :

HR OKONITE COME^ffii

")?Broadwa
NEWYORK

Constant Service

the important factor in brush selection is
guaranteed to you in

"NO-SPARK" CARBON BRUSHES

They allow the motor to run free of sparking,
heating and cutting — reducing the wear on the
commutator and eliminating annoying and costly
delays.

There are many more vital points proving the
superiority of No-Spark Carbon Brushes. We
shall gladly send you a set on thirty days free
trial so you may see them for yourself.

CALEBAUGH SELF-LUBRICATING CARBON COMPANY
1503 Columbia Ave. Philadelphia, Pa.

Sales Agents:

N. Y., N. Y. -George W. Letts. 2 East 23rd St.
Birmingham, Ala.— Robertson Sales Co.
New Orleans, La.— F. B. Branson, 323 Pine St.
Chicago, 111.— John B. Swift, Jr., 704 Fisher Bldg.

'Phone Harrison, 6657

June, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE
lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

FORM 4 =

3-60 Am. 250-600 V.

The Last Word in Fuses-
A New Type B Fuse

Caps removed by the twist of your
wrist, no tools whatever are re-
quired. The fusible element comes
in rolls of J^-lb. to the roll, aver-
ages 500 renewals to the roll. Send
for Bulletin J-22 and sample free.

A. F. DAUM
Pittsburgh - - Pa.

Ohl Co-lum-bia, a gem of a cut-out box.

COLUMBIA-QUALITY
TYPE E

GUTTERED CABINETS

For Regular Plug and Panel Cutouts and
Dead Front Perkins Panel Cutouts

Cat. No. 934B with 4 Perkins dead front panel cutouts.
Write for the New Bulletin Now

COLUMBIA METAL BOX CO.

226-228 East 144th St. N«w York City

Prima Enameled
Steel R.eflectors

Represent the highest grade
at the lowest price

Quick delivery out of stock

We specialize in

Miniature Lamps of all kinds
Decorative Carbon Lamps
Refilled Tungstens

C. D. Wood Electric Co., Inc.

441 Broadway, New York

Makers of

The Monocoil Motor
The Scout Signal Light

Six times the effici-
ency of a standard
dry cell and an indef-
inite recharging ca-
pacity.

Approximately the same
size as a standard dry cell,
with a six times highei
efficiency. Discharging rate
is exceptionally high for
so small a battery, being
2% amperes for twelve
hours. This makes the
Venus the ideal battery for
ignition, lighting and
other heavy duty purposes.
The charging rate is cor-
respondingly high, 3%
amperes, fully charging in
about 8 hours.

No liquid electrolyte is
used. Instead, an expen-
sive mineral preparation
is packed around the end-
less plates to form a solid,
compact mass. The addi-
tion of water is not re-
quired. The Venus Is
Qon-spillable, non-leakable,
non-evaporating. A miner-
al condenser prevents
evaporation by automati-
cally condensing and re-
turning moisture to bat-
tery. This feature Is
exclusive with the Venu«
battery.

You have" been waiting
for this battery, test It
yourself. Send for a sam-
ple.

Special Sample Ojffer: $2.00
F. O. B. Detroit

The Venus Electric
Lamp Co.

64 Second Ave., Detroit, Mich.

ELECTRICAL AGE

June, 1916

y^i

Start Right Now

If you are not already
a user of Peerless
Transformers send us
a trial order, and it
will please us both.

Try Us on Quick Deliveries

We carry a stock of
standard lighting trans-
formers for immediate
shipment We can
always ship standard
voltage transformers in
three to five days if
necessary.

The Enterprise Electric Co.

WARREN, OHIO

"Transformers of all kinds for all purposes"

Your Operating Costs

can be reduced by using

CondjtI

Type I Oil Starters

Type I 260 Volt Oil Starter with cover removed.

Because:

They absolutely prevent properly
fused polyphase motors from running
singlephase with the resulting expensive
burnouts.

They permit fusing the motor for
proper overload protection without blow-
ing the fuses in starting the motor.

Their upkeep cost is negligible as
they are provided with heavy long-life
contacts and are built to stand the wear
and tear of service.

Write for Bulletin 1409- A

CONDIT
Electrical Mfg. Co.

Manufacturers of
Electrical Protective Devices

Boston, Mass., U. S. A.

Akron, Flatiron Bldg.
Albany, 332 River St., Troy.
Birmingham, Brown - Marx

Bldg.
Buffalo, 1205 Electric Bldg.
Charlotte, N. C, Commercial

Bank Bldg.
Chicago, 19 South Fifth Ave.
Cincinnati. Union Trust Bldg.
Dallas, 408 S. Ervay St.
Denver. 1621 Seventeenth St.

Kansas City, Mo.. Traders

Bldg.
Los Angeles, San Fernando,

Bldg.
New York, 39 Cortland St.
Philadelphia, 929 Chestnut St.
Pittsburgh, 947 Penn Ave.
Portland. Ore., Morgan Bldg.
Richmond. Allison Bldg.
Salt Lake City.
San Francisco, 583 Howard

yt.

Seattle. 309 First Ave. So.
Troy, 332 River St.

Detroit. 616 Ford Bldg.

Northern Electric Company

LIMITED

Sole Distributor for the Dominion of Canada, Montreal
Halifax, Toronto, Winnipeg, Regina, Calgary, Edmonton, Van
couver, Victoria.

June, iqi6

ELECTRICAL AGE

crocKER-WHEeler

BALflMORt CINCINNATI

BIRMINGHAM CLEVELAND

BOSTON DENVER

CHICAGO DETROIT

MEW HAVEN PITTSBURG
NEWARK ST. PAUL

NEW YORK SAN FRANCISCO
^PHILADELPHIA SYRACUSE

rLE MOTORS THAT I

iE LAYMAN'S ABUSE

The patented Thread Protec-
tors assure each length of Pittsburgh
Standard Enameled Conduit reaching
the job with clean, free-from-enamel
threads. Your men like it, and you
will like it. Costs no more than ordin-
ary enameled conduit.

Enameled Metals Company

PITTSBURGH, PA.

ROBERTSON SALES COMPANY

Southern Sales Agents

2025 North 4th Ave., BIRMINGHAM, ALA.

he new. complete T_v Knife Switches and Panelboards

LINE OF

Standard Panelboards

Described in the
new T-V Catalog

AH Styles and Sizes

For

All Conditions

Service

Type F, Fuses in Mains

You will find the new T-V catalog mighty helpful in
selecting the right knife switches panelboards, switch-
board cabinets, etc.

A Marginal Thumb Index of the catalog enables you to
turn immediately to the pages listing the article you are
at the moment interested in.

Convenient, complete and helpful — write for a copy.

Type "C" or Punched Clip Switches

Single to Four Pole for N. E. C. Fuses, High Fingers, 260 Volte.
A. C. or D. C.

Type "A" or Milled Clip Switches

600 Volts, A. C, Three and Four Pole, for N. E. C. Fuses
High Fingers, Fused Bottom.

The Trumbull- Vanderpoel Electric Mfg. Company,

Bantam, Connecticut

New York Chicago Boston Philadelphia

ELECTRICAL AGE

June, 1916

(iRfeENTitUb

[]

SINGUE\STRII? .

STANDARD

QUALITY

Designed for fire-proof or nan -fire -proof construction

GSEBNOELp I !

C0NDUI1

Designed for non-fire-proof work

Greenfielduct Hot Galvanized Rigid Conduit.
Spragueduct Enameled Rigid Conduit.

Steel Boxes and Covers— Floor Boxes — Fittings— Tools.

Write for new descriptive Bulletin No. J-53.

SPRAGUE ELECTRIC WORKS

OF GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY

Main Offices: 527-531 West 34th St., New York, N. Y.

Branch' Offices in Principal Cities

Universal
Test a
Clips %

Free sample — use
company letterhead or
state your position.

15-20 AND 100 AMP. SIZES

Time Savers In Any Electrical Work
Requiring Quick Temporary Connections

Unexcelled for test sets, meters, transformers and
motor test floors, shop test benches, college and labora-
tories, motion picture projection work and storage
battery charging.

R. S. MUELLER & CO. 419 High Ave., S. E., Cleveland

Standard Light and Power Cables

for aerial, underground or submarine service are
guaranteed by 33 years of success. Write our
nearest office for estimates or prices.

Standard Underground Cable Co. Pittsburgh, Pa.

New York Philadelphia Chicago Boston San Francisco St. Louis

Jhe Dry Storage Battel)

I i Ampere for... 40 Howrs

^__ «Sif:iiV, ui,rue,f cell ever pi «/«*'*■ * v '

P^lS size is superior to ;,
1 carbon-zinc ' ' t )r>' V*n%
La, f°r all uses, espec*?^
>}' duty work, ft hold'
tdt8f !o,1#er and can be recn -
th ndfchnitelv for much le»» jj
C^f of a carbon battery-
Vol.3i] Percent, higher «ror .

ilt' m per cent- O*

*ori • ur '»»tput, 10 times ^ ■ ns
g $n% capacity over t ' t
. •■M. R J. .__ 77 „^r,eres v\

; t?- over 7 ampere

u«f!

ifipere discharge. On *JJ
toUlt through ammeter

ifll!

a,TlPeres.

"""er Ch

.ndl^

^MtNTZKFT* Ct>MpA

300 Times More Service

than seven No. 6 Dry Cells is rendered by

The Mentzer
Dry Storage Battery

This important feature^ makes the Mentzer Dry
Storage Battery

A Big Seller

It is the logical battery for heavy duty work, Ignition,
Lighting, Telephone and Telegraph service, etc.

There is a large demand for this battery and live dealers
everywhere are now handling it. You would do well to join
them. Our proposition is yours for the asking.

MANUFACTURED BY

J. P. MENTZER & COMPANY

S. S. STOLP, Sole Sales Agent
Corn Exchange Bank Bldg. CHICAGO, ILL.

LWE, 1916

ELECTRICAL A G E

Will an Electric Truck Save Me Money?

Well, unless we can prove to ourselves that it
will save you money we do not want to sell you
a G. V. Electric Truck.

Cost experts' figures show that 85% of all city
and suburban trucking can be done most econom-
ically with electric trucks. That's a big field. It
isn't necessary for us to go after logical gas truck
business — which is the long haul with few stops.

But if you have short hauls with many stops,
G. V. Electric Trucks will save you money.

G. V.'s will do such work far better and much
cheaper than gas or horses.

You can estimate accurately beforehand just
what a certain trucking cost will be with G. V.'s.

You can cut down on your stable space, your
insurance, your tire bill, your upkeep— and you
can cut your lost running time at least in halt.

Horse drivers make good G. V. drivers, with a

few hours' instruction. Accidents in which elec-
tric trucks figure are few indeed.

The life of the average G. V. Electric Truck is
more than double that of the average gas truck.

Why not get some definite figures on your own
specific trucking problem ?

We've "got 2179 G. V.'s running in New York
City alone.

We have put trucks into more than 100 different
kinds of business — and our records of their opera-
tion cover fifteen years.

In our files we probably have dollars and cents
figures that apply to your trucking. They're yours
—for the asking — and without obligation.

The question is: do you want these figures?
They can't cost you anything and they may save
you money.

This is one of a series of advertisements we are running in the national magazines and "metropolitan newspapers.
We are educating the merchants and manufacturers of your city to the value of the electric truck.

Have you done your part to secure the benefit of this advertising for your "off peak"? Do you set the truckers of
your city the example of using electric trucks ; or are you wasting money and opportunity by using gas vehicles?

If you want to know more of the marvelous strides the G. V. Trucks are making under central station cooperation in
many major cities, write us for further particulars and you will get them at once in convincing quantities— and to the
point.

What did you think of our N. E. L. A. exhibit in space 47 at the Auditorium ?

GENERAL VEHICLE COMPANY, Inc.

General Office and Factory: Long Island City, New York

NEW YORK

CHICAGO

BOSTON

PHILADELPHIA

Six Models: 1,000 to 10,000 lbs. capacity

Dealers in open territory are invited to correspond

1663

Ell

BlfflniDlMlOllfflMiJfflMpiifMIIlllffllDlM

ELECTRICAL AGE

June, 1916

Thomas
Insulators

Will Give You the Freedom
From Interruptions so Essen-
tial to Continuous Service.

We make a full line of
Insulators for Every
Purpose and All
Voltages.

Get the Thomas
Proposition.

Th eR. Thomas & Sons Co.

Main Office: EAST LIVERPOOL, 0.

Sales Offices:

New York Boston

Chicago

Canadian Agents:
Northern Electric Co., Ltd.

A Proven
Success

I I TV 40 and 60

LUA Nitros

Smallest gas-filled Lamps

Beyond experimental
stage __

On the market about a
t year

Demand daily increasing
l No summer slump in sight

EVERYBODY

SATISFIED

TRY THEM

YOURSELVES

Lux Manufacturing Company

HOBOKEN, N. J.

New York Office 1328 Broadway

Cleveland Office.. Joseph Phillips Co., 2114 E. 2nd St.

Chicago Office 1432 So. Michigan Ave.

St. Louis Office W. L. Rose, Pontiac Bldg.

Philadelphia Office 47 North 13th St.

Western Coast Agents Associated Manufacturers

Importing Co., 883 Market St., San Francisco, Cal.

SWI30NT SPOT ARC LAMP CORD

—

Solid braided cotton, waterproofed. Will outwear metallic devices or
twisted rope, and will not transmit shocks.

Send for sample and catalogue.
SAMSON CORDAGE WORKS .... Boston, Mass.

T^VERY coil examined and
labeled under the direction
of the underwriters laboratories.
Ignition wire for autos, awarded
motor boats and aeroplanes. ^um^
Send/or booklet fully describing

American Steel & Wire Company

Chicago

New York
Worcester

Cleveland
Denver

Pittsburgh

Export Representative: U. S. Steel Products Co., New York

Pacific Coast Representative: U. S. Steel Products Co.
San Francisco Los Angeles Portland Seattle

June, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

BAKELITE-DILEGTO

BAKELITE-DILECTO is absolutely non-hygroscopic,
and will not swell, warp or deteriorate with age. Is tough
and homogeneous and at the same time fairly flexible.

BAKELITE-DILECTO is a laminated product— there-
fore it has unlimited possibilities. It can be worked into
any shape desired.

The Continental Fibre Company

Newark, Delaware

CHICAGO -McCormick Bldg. NEW YORK-Woolworth BIdg.

Alio makers of high grade Vulcanized Fibre

WHEN YOU NEED

HIGH CLASS

Moulded Electrical Insulation

Send Blue Prints or Models and ask us to quote on your
requirements

DICKINSON MFG. CO.

Established 1875 as Dickinson Hard Rubber Co.

SPRINGFIELD, MASS.

Kurt R. Sternberg, Treasurer and General Manager

Hard Rubber Substitutes. High Heat Proof Insulations.

METER TESTING SPECIALTIES

Phantom Loads — Phase Shifters
Special Transformers
THE STATES COMPANY Hartford, Conn.

Park St. and New Park Ave.

DIXON'S
GRAPHITE
BRUSHES

Are self-lubricating brushes
that will not scratch or score
the commutator. Sparking,
chattering and noisy motors
are unknown when these brushes
are used.

It naturally follows that friction
losses are reduced and that expensive
shut-downs for commutator repairs
are avoided.

Drop a line to our Electrical
Service Department for booklet

No. 129-M.

Made in Jersey City, N. J., by the

Joseph Dixon Crucible Company

Established 1827

M-24

Est.

1848

TRADE MARK

VV4a>.^^va «• "v »wv,vF

No. 74 Provo- 19000 Volts.

We manufacture glass insulators for all
purposes. We use only the best raw materials
and our insulators are fully guaranteed.

Be on the safe side — specify "Hemingray.

HEMINGRAV GLASS CO.

COVINGTON, KY.
Write for Catalogue

ELECTRICAL AGE

June, 1916

% 9

WARD
LEONARD

THEATRE
DIMMERS

REMEMBER

that each RD plate has 110
steps. This means that these
dimmers will give 20% finer
regulation than if they had
90 steps, 35% finer regu-
lation than if they only had
80 steps, and 100% finer reg-
ulation than if they had 55
steps.

®f^>J®t

<%P

©.

\^>

€>

® ^

€>

The <U%

Only Theatre Dimmer § a

Made With
110 Steps of Control

for
Dimming Tungsten

Lamps

<Q>

m
<&<> $

<©>>

<fl>

^0 (0® £y

x j&

WARD LEONARD THEATRE DIMMERS

are but one of the many types of
resistances units manufactured by
this company for 27 years. That
this unit is as successful as their
other types of resistances goes with-
out saying. Regardless of its size
or importance every Ward Leon-
ard resistance unit receives the
same careful attention which insures
uniform high quality and long
service.

WARD LEONARD
ELECTRIC CO.

MOUNT VERNON

N. Y.

/ 'i^'ysm

\ \

i • :. f££T

snr J

June, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

Knowledge is Power —

Our book department handles a
line of Electrical Technical Books
which contain the foundation of
every success — KNOWLEDGE

May we send you our list?

Technical Journal Co.

1642 Woolworth Bldg. New York City

THE selection of "Victor" Insu-
lators for your transmission
lines will insure continuous
service.

We have a large, completely equipped
department for making Bushings and
special shapes.

THE LOCKE INSULATOR MFG. CO.

VICTOR, N. Y.

New York Office: 50 Church Street

SIMPLEX
WIRES AND CABLES

RUBBER

CAMBRIC

Simplex Ire &Cable (9

MANUFACTURERS

201 DEVONSHIRE ST.. BOSTON

CHICAGO SAN FRANCISCO

Kuhlman Accuracy

Twenty years of transformer manufac-
ture have enabled us to perfect in the
Kuhlman a transformer which is in every
detail accurate. We have eliminated all
mechanical complications and reduced
losses to the lowest practical limit.

In every transformer from one to fifty
K. V. A. capacity Kuhlman guarantees
accuracy.

Ask Us

About

Recent

Kuhlman

Installations

Kuhlman
Electric Co.
BAY CITY, MICH.

ELECTRICAL AGE

June, 1916

A Complete, Practical Correspondence Course of Study in

Electrical Engineering

Competent Electrical
Engineers are in demand

If you wish to earn a BETTER SALARY, here is a.
chance to get your diploma at home during your spare
time. Men in constant demand everywhere. Big sal-
aries being paid for competent Electrical Engineers. We

have helped hundreds and can help you.

The men who get the big jobs are the men who un-
derstand the principles of electricity and their application.
Let our graduates tell you what we have done for them.

Our course in Electrical Engineering teaches in plain,
simple language and with easy lessons how to install and
operate the most modern electrical machinery and ap-
pliances.

These lessons in Practical Electricity cover both Direct
and Alternating Currents, high potential and high fre-
quency currents, and all that is necessary to make you a'
proficient electrical engineer.

The Course completely covers the field of electrical
engineering, including power-plant work, and covers the
following subjects, viz.: Practical Electricity, Alternat-
ing Currents, The Electric Motor, Practical Mathematics
and Electrical Wiring.

Up-to-Date Instruction

You get personal instruction strictly up-to-date from
the leading instructors of this country on a complete
course in Electrical Engineering, every detail of which
s covered in the following books: —

Standard Modern Text Books:

Practical Electricity

Alternating Currents Simplified

The Electric Motor

Electric Wiring

Practical Mathematics

The instruction is so clear that anyone can understand
it, even though he has but a limited education.

Some of our students have been able to complete the
course in three to six months. If you cannot devote much
time to study, it will take a little longer.

These Books Free!

With this course of study you get
FREE the following splendid text books,
all standard works, which books alone are
worth more than the price of the entire
course of study.

Please send me full information concerning your
course in Electrical Engineering, and Special Terms.

Name,

Street and Number

City or Town State

Present Position

The Joseph G. Branch
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

542 South Dearborn Street
CHICAGO, ILL.

June, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

CAMPBELL

g^ TIME-SWITCH

THE BEST

Type "C" (Twice Daiy, 260 Volts) For
the Ordinary Instalation, such as
Store Windows, Signs, Entrances,
Multiple Street Lights, Storage Bat-
tery Recharging, etc.
Type "E" (High Tension Oil Break)
For Series Street Lights, Transformer
Primary Circuits, etc.
Type "F" (Doube Throw for Two-Rate
Meter Service)
("Multi-Circuit")
House Corridors, Ornament l

Post Lights, etc. Switch may be manually

I operated by this button
ALL EIGHT DAY CLOCKS independent of time
iwitoh mechanism.

Clock removable frta
here to wind and set

Supports
allow space back of
switch for wires.

Switch set by move-
ment of lever to this
position.

Iron Cover removablo for
wire connections.

Other types to suit special conditions. A full line for all purposes.
Send for Catalogue

Campbell Electric Co.,

Lynn, Mass.

Roebling {Insulated Wires and Cables

SUCH AS

Aerial Cables
Annunciator Wire
Automobile Horn Cord
Automobile Lighting Cablej
Automobile Starter Cables
Automobile Charging Cables
Automobile Ignition Cables
Armature Coils
Bare Copper Wire
Bare Copper Strands
Copper Wire, Bare
Cambric Cables
Fixture Wire

Fire and Weatherproof Wire

Fit Id Coils

Lamp Cord

Moving Picture Cord

Mining Machine Cables

Magnet Wire

Power Cable, Rubber Insulated

Power Cable, Cambric

Power Cable, Paper

Slow Burning Wire

Telephone Cable, Paper Insulation

Telephone Cable, Rubber

Weatherproof Wire

John A.Roebling's Sons Company

TRENTON, N. J.

BRANCHES:

New York Boston Chicago Philadelphia Pittsburgh Cleveland
Atlanta San Francisco Los Angeles Seattle Portland, Ore.

For 30 Years the Standard

wO. K." Weatherproof Wire

"Parac" Rubber Wire

Bare Copper Wire

Slow Burning Weatherproof

Railway Feeder Wire

Slow Burning Wire

Phillips Insulated Wire Co.

PAWTUCKET, R. I.
Mexican Branch

Cla Mexican* de Alambre "Philips," Mexico City

STREET LIGHTING FIXTURES

Ornamental Lighting Poles

Pole Arms

Mast Arms

Mast Arms Counterweights

Malleable Iron Brackets & Pins

Send for Catalog and Prices

THE BRADY ELECTRIC & MFG. CO

NEW BRITAIN, CONN.

Pot Heads
Automatic Cutouts
Absolute Cutouts
Incandescent Fixtures
Goosenecks

MICABOND

THE STANDARD MICA INSULATION
CHICAGO MICA CO.

Manufacturers of all kinds of Quality Insulation
Main office and factory, VALPARAISO, INDIANA

Southern representative, Robertson Sales Co.,
American Trust Bldg., Birmingham, Ala.

REMnHCE

FRICTIO N TAPE

laboratory tests of large railroads and service corpora-
tions and practical tests of hundreds of engineers have
proved that RELIANCE TAPE is absolutely SUPREME, you
can hardly afford not to use it, even if price is no object.
BUT THE LOW PRICE ON RELIANCE TAPE OUGHT TO
INTEREST YOU.

Write us today for sample.

NEWARK ELECTRICAL SUPPLY CO.

Newark, New Jersey, U. S. A.

SHOW WINDOW REFLECTORS

FOR

100 WATT TYPE "C" LAMPS

Increase the light in your customers' windows
25% by use of this lamp —

Increase this light 400% by use of

"PITTSBURGH"
Show Window Reflectors

Send for copy of comparative tests.

Booklet "SHOW WINDOW LIGHTING" just
off the press. Full of practical hints and engin-
eering data. A copy on request.

Pittsburgh Reflector & Illuminating Co.

PITTSBURGH, PA.

ELECTRICAL AGE

June, 1916

— Juniper

Poles—

(Southern White Cedar)

All sizes from 20 to 75 foot

Large stock — quick shipment
20 Different yards

Cross Arms

Long Leaf Pine

Unpainted — Painted — Creosoted

Any size from 2 3-4x3 3-4 to 5x7

From Producers to Consumers

Write for Prices

The Southern Exchange Co.

47-99-101 Warren Street

New York City

Send for Catalog of

Water Power Information

This book contains information con-
cerning various methods of measuring
streams; also gives tables of power,
speed and quantity of water used by
the turbines under different heads.
Efficiency tests are shown and a great
deal of other useful data given, as well
as a large number of interesting illus-
trations.

If you are contemplating the devel-
opment of water power it is to your
interest to write us.

Samson Turbines

The quicker the speed of a
generator the lower its cost. If
you expect to direct connect
generator to turbine shaft we
can save you money on your
installation.

Our competent hydraulic en-
gineers will give you any infor-
mation that you may need about
the installation of turbines.
Write us today

James Leffel & Co.

402 Lagonda St. Springfield, Ohio

k- KDNOMY HH| FUSES -4

For efficiency, safety and economy in
protecting electrical circuits

ECONOMY S53S: FUSES

Thousands of users — millions in use. Testing
Economy Fuses on your circuits (at our
expense) will prove that their use cuts
annual fuse costs 80 per cent without sacri-
ficing one iota of safety.

Despite the altogether unprecedented
rise in the cost of metals used in the manu-
facture of Economy Fuses, there is no
advance in price.

Write for Catalog 11 and free Samples
of the capacity and voltage desired.

ECONOMY FUSE & MFG. CO.

Kinzie and Orleans Sts.

Chicago

'Look For the Gray Shell"

Are You Interested

in the Economical

Use of Oil?

Our Skilled Railway Mechanics will
study your road and inspect your
machinery, ears and tracks; and, in
fact, go intOx every detail of lubrica-
tion. After such inspection, we will
guarantee cost of lubrication per
thousand miles and per thousand
kilowatt hours. Upon request we
will be pleased to furnish further in-
formation.

Galena-Signal Oil Co.,

Franklin, Penn.

Electric Railway Department.

June, 1910

ELECTRICAL

AGE

HIGH TENSION WEATHER-PROOF OIL
BREAK SWITCHES

For 3000, 4000, 5000 and 6000 Volt System-
Capacity 60 to 300 Amperes
Single Throw and Double Throw

SEND FOR
BULLETIN No 9

DOUBLE POLE THREE POLE

HIGH TENSION ELECTRICAL SPECIALTY COMPANY

FOUR POLE

CORRESPONDENCE
SOLICITED

NEWTON, MASS.

STOW

. Tool Post

JM MWB

mmJSnPf?^

». Grinder

TWtl Plain or with slide.
la A_ Most accurate tool

Jfr of its kind on the
rfK/j^ market.

tP1 ^flrasiP

B Manufactured by

*^| STOW MFG. CO.

i 1 Binghamton. N. Y.

r^) u. s. a.

\ ' ^^»

Oldest Portable
. Tool Manufacturers
in America.

KEEP WELL COVERED
WHEN NOT IN USE

TRADE MARK

YAGERS

REG. U.S.PAT. OFF. "
NOS. 47264 8, 83460

SOLDERING

Kill

DO YOU USE

YAGERS SOLDERING PASTE

ASK FOR A SAMPLE
;KEEP_IN A COOL PLACE

YAGER'S
FLUXES

Have you tried YAGER'S SOLDER-
ING SALTS in the new enameled
screw top can container? Same price
as for the bottles. Packs better; ships
lighter; keeps its dry granular salt
form, and will not corrode. Ask to
see YAGER'S in its new dress. It does
the work for others. It will do yours
Use YAGER'S SOLDERING PASTE
in collapsible tubes for your kit; in tin
boxes for the bench. Yager's Paste
means no waste.

ALEX. R. BENSON CO.

HUDSON, N. Y.

NUNGESSER

'FIRST-BECAUSE THEY LAST'

Carbon Brushes

THE NUNGESSER CARBON a BATTEF

You Take No Chance

in placing your
Orders for Electrical Supplies

with

Southern Electric Co.

BALTIMORE, MD.

Distributors of G. E. quality material.

"Highest Quality Goods — Uniformly Low Prices
Prompt Shipments"

G3E

3E3E

E3 E

3E3E

IE3

EXCLUSIVE MANUFACTURERS
OF

"FULLMAN"
FLOOR OUTLETS

ADJUSTABLE
AND
NON-ADJUSTABLE
TYPES

WRITE FOR CATALOG

STEEL CITY ELECTRIC CO.

1207-1219 Columbus Avenue
PITTSBURGH, PA.

[Lk=, r=ii — 11=11 t (=) | IBI IE3 E=U

ELECTRICAL AGE

June, 19,16

PERFORATED METALS

for
ALL PURPOSES

Such as

Cotton Seed Oil Mills
Cotton Gins
Phosphate Screens
Coal Screens

Ventilation
Electrical Devices
Sugar, Flour and Rice Mills
Surfacing for Sand Rolls

Send for Metal Sample Plate and Circular

ERDLE PERFORATING CO.

165 York Street
ROCHESTER, N. Y.

—PLATINUM—

Purchased or Exchanged

We will buy any platinum scrap you may have on hand,
or exchange it for

BAKER STANDARD QUALITY

Platinum Wire, Sheet, Foil, Platinum Rivets
and Contacts

Write for Catalog.

BAKER & CO., INC.

C. O. BAKER, Pres. C. W. BAKER. V. P.

NEWARK, N. J.

New York Office:
30 CHURCH ST.

^gyj(f$§^ Stands for Quality in
||||pp> Brackets and Pole
Line Hardware

Mushroom Guy Anchor

No. 875 Secondary Rack
Send for our new 70-page catalog.

Barnes & Kobert Mfg. Co.,

MILLDALE, CONN.

Detach-
able
Pole Step

*D0 IT ELECTRICALLY*

MP*

jproifijt_§|Qreg,flfaq

General Electric and Hot Point Heating Devices General Electric Wiring Devices

Transmission Line Material Edison Mazda Lamps Central Station Equipment

Let us quote you on your electrical requirements

Acme Grinding Compound

Reduces bearings without stopping the engine (as in the illustration)
in ten to thirty minutes, whereas it takes a man from two to four
hours. Investigate and save time, money and labor.

dripfc I lA -b- Can- $ -50 2 lb- Can> $1-50

I-KICCS j „ „ 1>()0 g ., I( 4>0()

Acme Segment Cement

Relieves positively shortage, which is caused by burnt-out or low spots
on the segment. Your dealer has both of these products.
PRICE: 50c. per Tube; $5.00 per Dozen.

ACME COMPOUND MANUFACTURING CO.

102 NORTH FIFTH AVE. CHICAGO, ILL.

June, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

"NITROGEN"
J FIXTURES

POST - FIXTURES » AJL^A^i ▼ ▼ M. "^*

CAST METAL OUT-DOOR LIGHTING FIXTURES OF Smo,

BRACKETS, POCKET LANTERNS, CEILING LIGHTS, STANDARDS, ETC.

wr,tc/t°arlog HERWIG ART SHADE AND LAMP CO., 2138 No. Halsted St., Chicago, 111.

ThisWireReel
and Meter

will save time and
money for any electric
supply dealer or con-
tractor. Meters with
base made in two sizes
for wire, and for ca-
ble or flexible conduit.
Write for full particu-
lars and prices.

Minneapolis Electric
& Construction Co.

Minneapolis, Minn.

. sap.-.

■v r**DE MM** -

Manufactured by

Indiana Rubber and Insulated
Wire Company

JONESBORO, INDIANA

Insulated Electric SJS7'±re

If you want the best quality and service in
Insulated Electric Wire COME TO US.
You will find our prices reasonable and we are
prepared to make prompt shipment.

ALFRED F. MOORE,

200 N. Third St.
PHILADELPHIA

SOUTHERN AGENTS
MATTHEWS ELECTRIC & SUPPLY CO.,
3 N. 20th St., Birmingham, Ala.
CHATTANOOGA ARMATURE WORKS
Chattanooga, Tenn.
ELECTRICAL SUPPLY CO.,
125 Camp St., New Orleans, La.

DUNCAN

WATTHOUR

METERS

FOR

A. C. and D. C.

SERVICE

DUNCAN
TRANSFORMERS

FOR

DISTRIBUTION

AND

TRANSMISSION
SERVICE

Duncan Electric Mfg. Co.

Lafayette, Ind.

ELECTRICAL AGE

June, 1916

DIRECTORY OF CONSULTING ENGINEERS
ARCHITECTS and CONTRACTORS

The Arnold Company

ENGINEERS— CONSTRUCTORS

ELECTRICAL— CIVIL— MECHANICAL

105 South La Salle Street

CHICAGO

H. M. BYLLESBY & COMPANY

ENGINEERS

New York Chicago Tacoma

trinity Building ^Continental and Commercial Washington

Bank Building

Purchase, Finance, Construct and Operate Electric Light,

Gas, Street Railway and Waterpower Properties

Examinations and Reports. Utility Securities bought and sold

HUGH L. COOPER & CO.

GENERAL HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING

Including the Design, Financing, Construction and

Management of Hydro-Electric Power Plants

101 Park Avenue New York

WILLIAM C. SPIKER, C. E.

Consulting Engineer

Hurt Building Atlanta, Ga.

Buildings, Bridges, Dams, Hydro-Electric Powers

SCOFIELD ENG1HEERIHG CO,

POWER STATIONS

HYDRAULIC
^DEVELOPMENTS

CONSULTING ENGINEERS

PHILADELPHIA

ELECTRIC RAILWAYS
MATERIAL
HANDLING

Electrical Testing Laboratories, Inc.

Electrical Department

Tests and investigations of electrical instruments, apparatus and
materials. Inspection of electrical material and apparatus at fac-
tories. Tests and investigations made anywhere.

Photometrical Department

Photometrical tests of all forms of commercial illumioants. Illu-
mination tests made anywhere, indoors or outdoors.

General Testing Department

Mechanical tests. Chemical tests. Coal and ash analyzed.
Paper tested. Tensile, compression and torsion tests of structural
and engineering materials.

80th Street and East End Avenue
New York, N. Y.

Dixon-Smith Engineering Co.

Consulting Engineers

Wright Building

Municipal ST. LOUIS Industrial

Electric Lights Water Works Power Plants

Examinations, Reports, Estimates, Plans, Specifications,
Supervision and Purchasing

Power, Lighting or Telephone Systems

Your correspondence solicited regarding any change or

new installation in either. Purchase of

material. Estimates

ROY C. FRYER

91 15th Street

9th year

Detroit, Mich.

G. M . GEST

CONTRACTING CONDUIT ENGINEER

WOOLWORTH BLDG.

San Francisco NEW YORK Cincinnati

Montreal

G. M. GEST, Ltd.

Winnipeg

Vancouver

THOMAS HOWE

E.E. Cornell, 1896 LLB. N.U. Law School, 1904

PATENTS

Long practical experience as Engineer and Patent Attorney with prom-
inent electrioal Companies including soliciting electrical patents and prose-
cuting electrical cases before the courts.
No. 2 Rector Street NEW YORK

D. G. & WM. B. JACKSON

BOSTON

CHICAGO l?TVTr,nVT17,l?l?C BUM UN

Harris Trust Eldg. fMNLiJIMJIilflVO 248 Boylston St

Plans, Specifications, Supervision of Construct!'

General Superintendence and Management

Examinations and Reports

Financial Investigations and Rate Adjustments

NATIONAL ELECTRICAL LABORATORIES
ELECTRICAL TESTING

INCANDESCENT LAMPS— WATTHOUR-METERS
INSTRUMENTS— APPARATUS— MATERIALS

107 FRONT STREET

NEW YORK, N. Y.

CHAS. L. PILLSBURY

CONSULTING ENGINEER

Electrical - - - Mechanical

Investigations — Reports — Plans and Speci fications

805-11 Metropolitan Life Bldg., Minneapolis, Minn.

June, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

SANDERSON & PORTER

ENGINEERS

CHICAGO NEW YORK SAN FRANCISCO

72 West Adams St.

52 William St.

Nevada Bank Bldg.

Stone & Webster Engineering Corporation

Constructing Engineers

NEW YORK

BOSTON

CHICAGO

We Finance
Extensions and Improvements

to Electric Light, Power and Street Railway properties which have established
earnings If prevented from improving or extending your plant because no
more bonds can be issued or sold, or for any other reason, correspond with us.

Electric Bond and Share Company

Paid-up Capital and Surplus, $16,000,000

71 Broadway, New York
Dealers in Proven Electric Light, Power and Street Railway Bonds and Stocks.

THE J-G-WHITE COMPANIES

FINANCIERS
MANAGERS

43 Exchange Place

CHICAGO

LONDON

ENGINEERS
OPERATORS

NEW YORK

SAN FRANCISCO

PLATINUM

CONTACTS OF ALL FORMS WIRE FOR WIRELESS TELEGRAPH
RESISTANCE WIRE WIRE AND SHEET FOR ALL PURPOSES

SCRAP PURCHASED

AMERICAN PLATINUM WORKS

NEWARK, N. J.

THE CLEARING HOUSE

OPPORTUNITIES

For the Wide-awake Electrician— Machinery, Positions,
Agencies, Etc.

-READ PAGE 86-

WHITE WAY POSTS

Gnatless and Waterproof

The problem of in-
sects crawling into
the globe and water
getting into the post,
causing short circuits,
is prevented by the pat-
ented features embodied
in our

White Way Posts

Gives better light, as
no dead insects are at
the bottom of the
globe.

White Way Posts
guide the way to
good buying.

Send for price list

THOMASVILLE
IRON WORKS

Thomasville

Georgia

NEW eftTHLOG No 22

LATEST LISTING ON

PANEL BOARDS and STEEL CABINETS-SWITCH BOARDS-KNIFE SWITCHES

See Catalog Page 27 to 65 See Catalog Page 74 to 84 See Catalog Page 6 to 23

CATALOG MAILED ON REQUEST

^ra/iA' m?€c/am StecMc Co. St. Louis, Missouri.

Iliiilllllllilt'

FOR SALE

Engine For Sale

ONE 13x12 Erie City Auto. Engine
in good condition together with 56
ft. 12 in. endless-double leather belt,
little used (Ajax). Price $325 f. o. b.
Cissna Park. Elec. Service Co., Cissna
Park, 111. F6

Light Plant For Sale

ELECTRIC light plant for sale in
growing country seat, 1,000 popula-
tion. 25 year franchise. Gross receipts 2d
year $7,000. E. G. Heinrich, Box 71,
Baker, Mont. • E6

AGENTS AND AGENCIES

Manufacturers' Agents Attention:

WANTED.— Live wire agents, respon-
sible and financially equipped to
successfull distribute our ReVivO stor-
age batteries and house lighting plants.
Your oportunity to connect with the
best and most efficient battery on the
market. Territory going fast. Cook
Railway Signal Co., 1793 So. Broadway,
Denver, Colo.

REORGANIZED BIG LAMP CON-
CERN wants responsible agents to
sell nitrogen, tungsten and carbon
lamps. Address — Deuth & Company,
Inc., 131 E. 23rd St., New York, N. Y.

a PROMINENT manufacturer of
n. carbon brushes desires agents at
once; excellent proposition; brushes
well-known; write at once for details,
Box 15, Electrical Age. F8

Factory Space and Capital

HAVE you a manufacturing business
which can be enlarged to good
proportions by the use of factory space
and capital? We want a business al-
ready established in a small way. Box
304, Central Station, Toledo, Ohio.

RATES

"Position Wanted" advertisements 25
cents for 25 words or less; additional
words one cent each. "Help Wanted,"
"For Sale," etc., advertisements 50 cents
for 25 words or less ; additional words,
two cents each. Special rates for dis-
play advertisements.

Remittances and copy intended for any
issue should reach this office not later
than the 25th of the month.

Replies may be sent care of
ELECTRICAL AGE
Woolworth Building, New York

OPPORTUNITIES

T ARGEST JOBBERS looking for
*-* connections with Incandescent Lamp
factory making Ai lamps to control en-
tire output. Can advance several thou-
sand dollars towards manufacturing of
Tungsten and Nitrogen lamps. Address
— Box 12, care of Electrical Age 1642
Woolworth Bldg., New York, N. Y.

Voltage Regulators Wanted
117 ANTED. — An automatic motor-
'" driven, pole type or station type,
induction voltage feeder regulator for
2,200 volts, 60-cycle, three or single-
phase, to regulate a 100-kw. circuit. East
Haddam Electric Light Co., East Hamp-
ton, Conn. F5

Turn Your Motors Into Cash

WANTED. — Single and two-phase,
no and 220 volt used motors, I to
25 hp. Send prices and full particu-
lars in first letter. We have a number
of no and 220 D.C. Motors, from 1/6
to 10 hp., for sale at right prices. Send
for list and make offers. Electric Mo-
tor and Repair Co., 264 Halsey St.,
Newark, N. J. F7

POSITIONS WANTED

ULECTRICAL ENGINEER, 27,
-L' Massachusetts Institute of Tech-
nology graduate, four years design
and construction on central station
and distribution work; now with
large constructing engineers: will
change connections for good oppor-
tunity with railway or lighting prop-
erty. Box 10, care Electrical Age,
Woolworth Bldg., New York, N. Y.

DOSITION WANTED as assistant
*■ superintendent or general foreman
construction plant, transmission, age 35,
best of credentials and temperate. F.
R. Warner, 633 North St., New Or-
leans, La. E7

A RE YOU DOING AN EXPORT
P> BUSINESS? An Electrical Engi-
neer who has had 10 years experience in
South America on construction work,
erecting Electric Power Plants, Steam
Plants, Quarry Plants, Compressed Air
Machinery, General Engineering Work,
Commercial Work and Engineering
Salesman. Wants position. Box 87,
Electrical Age. C5

POSITIONS OPEN

TI7 ANTED. — Young man, good ad-
" dress, capable of building switch
boards, developing new electrical ap-
paratus, and calling on and selling
suburbanites lighting plants. Box 304,
Central Station, Toledo, Ohio. E5

AT ANAGERS, engineers, superin-
^ tendents, master mechanics,
draftsmen and construction men's ap-
plications solicited for proposal to
prospective employers everywhere.
Proposals interest employers in Can-
ada, the States and Latin-America
serving large and small employers
freely. American Service Company,
Pittsburgh, Pa. E4

METERMEN WANTED to enroll
for complete practical course of
"Electrical Measuring Instruments and
Meters." Endorsed by leading electrical
men. Write for booklet, "Instruments
and Meters," giving full information.
Fort Wayne Correspondence School,
I333 South Calhoun St., Fort Wayne,
Ind.

HIGH CLASS MAN WANTED.—
Experienced selling nitrogen and
tungsten lamps in New York. Sales-
man formerly connected with large
lamp manufacturing companies prefer-
red. Address — Dueth & Company, Inc.,
131 E. 23rd St., New York, N. Y. Fi

June, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

Air Brake*.

Allls- Chalmers Mfg. Co.

Air Compressors.
Allls-Chalmers Mfg. Co.

Alarms.

Western Electric Co.

Ammeters and Voltmeters.
Duncan Electric Co.
General Electric Co.
Norton Electrical Inst. Co.
Western Electric Co.
Westingbouse Eletrlcal ft Mfg.

Co.
Weston Electrical Inst. Co.

Anchors — Guy.
Barnes & Kobert Mfg. Co.
Hubbard & Co.

Annnclatore.
Western Electric Co.

Armatures.

Chattanooga Armature Works

Automatic Controllers for Light-
ing and Starting Systems.
Ward Leonard Electric Co.

Battery Chargers.

General Electric Co.
Ward Leonard Electric Co.
Westingbouse Elec. & Mfg. Co.

Batteries — Dry.

Central Tel. & Elec. Co.
Southern Electric Co.
Western Electric Co.

Batteries — Dry Storage.
Mentzer & Co., J. P.
Venus Electric Co.

Batteries — Primary.

Western Elec. Co.

Bella.

Southern Electric Co.
Western Electric Co.

Belt Dressing.
Dixon Crucible Co.. Jos.

Bolts — Expansion .

Hubbard & Co.

Bonds and Stocks.
Electric Bond & Share Co.

Boosters.

General Electric Co.
Westingbouse Elec. & Mfg. Co.

Boxes — Cutout.
Adam Electric Co., Frank.
Columbia Metal Box Co.

Boxes— Fuse.
General Electric Co.

Boxes— Meter.

Adam Electric Co., Frank.

Boxes — Outlet and' Junction.
Adam Electric Co., Frank-
Chicago Fuse Mfg. Co.
Columbia Metal Box Co.
National Metal Molding Co
Steel City Elec. Co.

Brushes — Motors and Gen-
erators.
Calebaugh-Block Self Lubri-
cating Carbon Co., Inc.
Dixon Crucible Co., Jos
Nungesser Carbon ft Battery
Co.

Brushes — Metallic.
Calebaugh-Block Self Lubri-
cating Carobn Co Inc.

Bushings.
National Metal Molding Co

Bus Bar Supports.

Delta-Star Elec. Co.

Elec. Engineers Equip. Co.

Cabinets.

Frank Adam Electric Co.
Columbia Metal Box Co.
Trumbull- Vanderpoel Elec.
Mfg. Co.

Cable — Aerial Power — (See Wires
and Cables.)

Cable— Insulated.
Okonite Co.. The

Standard Underground Cable
Co.

Cable— Steel Taped.
Simplex Wire & Cable Co.
Standard Underground Cable
Co.

Cable— Submarine and Lead-
Covered.

Hazard Mfg. Co.

Indiana Rubber & Insulated
Wire Co.

Moore, Alfred F.

Okonite Co., The

Rome Wire Co.

Simplex Wire ft Cable Co.

Standard Underground Cable
Co.

Cable — Telephone.

(See Wires and Cables.)

Cable— Underground.
Okonite Co., The

Cable Junction Boxes.
Standard Underground Cable
Co.

Cable Racks.
Barnes & Kobert Mfg. Co.

Carbons — Arc Light.
Calebaugh-Block Self Lubri-
cating Carbon Co., Inc.

Carbons — Battery .
Calebaugh-Block Self Lubri-
cating Carbon Co., Inc.

Carbons— Brushes.

Calebaugh-Block Self Lubri-
cating Carbon Co., Inc.

Dixon Crucible Co., Job.

Nungesser Carbon & Battery
Co.

Carbon Remover.
Ever- Ready Mfg. Co.

Circuit Breakers.
General Electric Co.
Ward Leonard Electric Co.
Westinghouse Elec. ft Mfg. Co.

Cleats.
National Metal Molding Co.
Thomas ft Sons, R.

Coils (Armature and Field).

Chattanooga Armature Works.

Colls — Choke.
General Electric Co.

Colls — Induction.
Western Electric Co.

Coils — Spark.
Western Electric Co.

Commutators.

Chattanooga Armature Works.

Coil Taping Machines.

Chattanooga Armature Works.

Compounds— Boiler.
Dixon Crucible Co., Joseph.

Compounds — Commutator.

Calebaugh-Block Self Lubri-
cating Carbon Co., Inc.

Compoun d s — Frosting.

Duhrssen & Pfaltz, Inc.

Compounds and Valve Grinding.

Acme Compound & Mfg. Co.

Condensers.
Allls-Chalmers Mfg. Co.
Westingbouse Elect, ft Mfg. Co

Conductors— Armored.
National Metal Molding Co.

Conduit Fittings.

National Metal Molding Co.
Western Conduit Co.

Conduit — Flexible.

American Circular Loom Co.
American Conduit Mfg. Co.
National Metal Molding Co.
Tubular Woven Fabric Co.

Conduit — Interior.

American Circular Loom Co.
American Conduit Mfg. Co.
National Metal Molding Co.
Tubular Woven Fabric o.
Western Conduit Co.

Conduit — Rigid.
American Circular Loom Co.
Enameled Metals Co.
Gest, G. M.

Johns-Manville Co., H. W.
National Metal Molding Co.
Western Conduit Co.

Con d ult — Underground .
Gest, G. M.

Connectors and Terminals.

Dossert & Co.
Steel City Elec. Co.

Construction Material.
Southern Electric Co.

Controllers.
Allls-Chalmers Mfg. Co.
General Electric Co.
Ward Leonard Electric Co.
Westinghouse Elec. ft Mfg. Co.

Controllers — Automatic.
Ward Leonard Electric Co.

Cooking Apparatus — Electrical.
(See Keating Apparatus — Elec-
trical.)

Cords.

Moore, Alfred F.
Samson Cordage Works.
Standard Underground Cable
Co.

Cord — Arc Lamp.
Samson Cordage Works.

Cord — Flexible.
American Elect. Works.
Okonite Co., The
Samson Cordage Works.
Southern Electric Co.
Simplex Wire & Cable Co
Standard Underground Cable
Co.

Cord- — Telephone.
Moore, Alfred F.
Simplex Wire & Cable Co

Standard Underground Cable
Co.

Cord, Trolley.

Samson Cordage Works.

Crane Motors.
Westinghouse Elec. ft Mfg. Co

Cross-Anns.

Hubbard & Co.
Southern Exchange Co., The
Thomas & Co., R.
Western Electric Co.

Cut-Outs.

Brady Elec. & Mfg. Co.
General Electric Co.

Cut-Outs — Automatic.

General Electric Co.

Door Openers.
Newark Electric Supply Co.

Drills— Electric.
Clark, Jas. Jr., Elec. Co., Inc.
Stow Mfg. Co.

Drills— Portable.
Clark Elec Co., Inc., Jas. Jr.
Stow Mfg. Co.

Dynamos and Motors (Second-
Han d.)
Atlanta Electric Machine Co.
Chattanooga Armature Works.
Oliver Electric ft Machine Co.

Electrical Repairing.

Chattanooga Armature Works

Electric Fixtures.
Adam Electric Co., Frank
Illuminating Engineering Ga.
Southern Electric Co.

Electric Light Plants — Small

Schug Elec. Mfg. Co.

Electric Signs — (See Signs).

Electric Sign Flashers — (»•<
Flashers — Electric Sign) .

Electric Vehicles.

General Vehicle Co.
Engines — Gas and Gasolin*

Allis Chalmers Mfg. Co

General Electric Co.

Westinghouse Mach. Co

Engines — Steam.

Allls-Chalmers Mfg. Co.
Westinghouse Mach. Co.

Eng meers — Consulting.
Arnold Co., The
Byllesby, H. M. ft Co.
Cooper, Hugh L. ft Co.
Dixon -Smith Enerineering Co
Jackson, D. C. and Wm. B
Pillsbury, Chas. L.
Sanderson & Porter.
Scofleld Engineering Co.
Spiker, William C.
Stone ft Webster Engineer!**

Corporation.
White ft Co., J. G.

Fans — Exhaust.
Lindstrom, Smith Co.
Menominee Electric Mfg. Co
Peerless Electric Co.
Bobbins ft Meyers Co.
Southern Electric Co.
Star Fan & Motor Works.
Western Electric Co.
Westinghouse Elec. ft Mfg. Co

Fan Motors.
Clark, Jas. Jr., Elec. Co., lac
General Electric Co.
Hunter Fan ft Motor Co.
Lindstrom, Smith Co.
Matthews Elec. Co.
Menominee Electric Mfg. Co.
Peerless Electric Co.
Robblns & Myers Co.
Southern Electric Co.
Star Fan & Motor Works.
Western Electric Co.
Westinghouse Electric A Mfa
Co.

Fibres.

Continental Fibre Co.
Standard Underground Cab If.
Co.

Financial.
Electric Bond ft Share Co.

Fixtures — Lighting.

Adam Electric Co., Frank
Cutter Co., George
Herwig Art Shade ft Lamp €•
Shapiro & Aronson.
Southern Electric Co.
Wallace Novelty Co.

Friction Tape and Clotas.

Okonite Co., The

Walpole Tire and Rubber Co

Fuses — Electric.
Daum Co., A. F.
Delta Star Elec. Co.
Economy Fuse & Mfg. Co.
General Electric Co.
Monarch Refutable Fuse Co.
Multi Reflllable Fuse Co.
Railway & Industrial Engi-
neering Co.
Western Electric Co.

ELECTRICAL AGE

June, iqi6

BUYERS CLASSIFIED INDEX (Con'd)

Fuses — Befl liable.
Economy Fuse & Mfg. Co
Monarch Reflllable Fuse C«>
Multl Reflllabe Fuse Co.

Fuse Boxes.

(See Boxes— Fuse.)

Hms Engines.
Allis-Chalmers Mfg. Co

Ganges — Beeordlng.
Bristol Co.
Dehling Instrument Co

«>«aerator Brushes — (See Brush-
es-— Motor and Generator.)

««nerators and Motors.

illis- Chalmers Mfg. Co.
Crocker- Wheeler Co.
General Electric Co.
Menominee Electric Mfg. Co
Peerless Electric Co.
Bobbins & Myers Co.
Southern Electric Co.
Western Electric Co.
Weatinghouse Elec. & Mfg. Co

41ol»e*, Shades, etc.

General Electric Co.

Graphite.
Calebaugh- Block Self Lubrl

eating Carbon Co., Inc.
Joseph Dixon Crucible Co.

Graphite Paint.

Detroit Graphite Co.

■*md Lamps — Electric.
Southern Electric Co.

Hangers — Cable.

Hubbard & Co.

Standard Underground Cabl«
Co;

■eating Apparatus — Electrical.

General Elect. Co.
Western Electric Co.
Westinghouse Elec. & Mfg.
Co.

HeUts — Electric and Steam.
Allis-Chalmers Mfg. Co.

Sydraulic Machinery.
Allis-Chalmers Mfg. Co.

injectors.

Bristol Co.
Duncan Electric Co.
General Electric Co.
Westinghouse Elec. & Mfg. Co.
Weston Elec. Inst. Co.

Instruments — Electrical.

Bristol Co.

Duncan Elec. Mfg. Co.
General Electric Co.
Norton Electrical Inst. Co.
Western Electric Co.
Westinghouse Elec. & Mfg. Co.
Weston Electrical Instrument
Ce.

Instruments— Recording.

Bristol Co.

Uehling Instrument Co.

Imsmlaion.

Brookfleld Glass Co.

General Electric Co.

Hemlngray Glass Co.

High Tension Elec. Specialty
Co.

Tohns-Manvllle Co.. H. W.

Locke Insulator Mfg. Co.

Pittsburgh High Voltage Insu-
lator Co.

R. Thomas & Sons Co.

Insulating Material.
American Electrical Works.
Brookfleld Glass Co.
Chicago Mica Co.
Continental Fibre Co.
Dickinson Mfg. Co.
General Electric Co.
Locke Insulator Mfg. Co.
Moore, Alfred F.
Okonlte Co., The

Pittsburgh High Voltage In-
sulator Co.

Standard Underground Cable
Co.

Thomas & Sons Co., R.

Ward Leonard Electric Co.

Westinghouse Elec. & Mfg. Co.

Insulators — Wood.

Barnes & Kobert Mfg. Co.

Insulator Pins.

Hubbard & Co.

Southern Exchange Co., The

Thomas & Sons, R.

Irons — (Electrical) .
Southern Elec. Co.
Westinghouse Electric & Mfg
Co.

Lamp Cord.

Moore, Alfred F.
Sampson Cordage Works

Standard Underground Cable
Co.

Lamp Shades.
A.-A. Electric Co.
Herwig Art Shade & Lamp
Co.

Lamps — Carbon Arc.
General Electric Co.
Western Electric Co.
Westinghouse Elec. & Mfg. Co.

Lamps — Flaming Arc.

General Electric Co.
Western Electric Co.
Westinghouse Elect. & Mfg.
Co.

Lamps — Incandescent.
Boston Economy Lamp Div.
Clark, Jas. Jr., Elec. Co., Inc.

Deuth & Co.
Edison Lamp Works.
General Electric Co.
Hygrade Lamp Co.
Lux Mfg. Co.
National Lamp Works.
Sonthern Electric Co.
Western Electric Co.
"Westinghouse Elec. & Mfg. Ce
Westinghouse Lamp Co.

Lamps — Miniature.

General Electric Co.
Southern Electric Co.

Lanterns — Electric.

Southern Electric Co.

Lead-Covered Wires.
Okonite Co., The

Lighting Fixtures.

Eclipse Light Co.

Lighting Systems.
Schug Elec. Mfg. Co.
Ward Leonard Electric Co.

Lightning Arresters.
Delta-Star Elec. Co.
General Electric Co.
Hubbard & Co.

Westinghouse Elect. & Mfg.
Co.

Line Material.

Barnes & Kobert Mfg. Co.
Electrical Eng'rs Equip. Co.
General Electric Co.
Hubbard & Co.
Western Electric Co.
Westinghouse Elec. & Mfg. Co

Lubricants.

Calebaugh-Block Self Lubricat-
ing Carbon Co., Inc.
Dixon Crucible Co., Jos.
Galena Signal Oil Co.

Lubricants— No-Spark Commu-
tator Brush.

Calebaugh-Block Self Lubri-
cating Carbon Co., Inc.

Machinery Guards — Perforated.

Erdle Perforating Co.

DECO

Some Users

Of "DECO"

Lamps

Equitable Bldg.
Adams Express

Building
The Vincent Astor

Estates
Hamburg -Ameri-
can Line Bldg.
McAlpin Hotel
Hotel Astor
St. Regis Hotel
Sherry's
Delmonico's
Lord & Taylor

Dept. Store
GimbelBros.Dept.

Store
Abraham&Strauss

Dept. Store
A.I.Namm &Sons

Dept. Store
0 p p e nhei m

Collins & Co.,

Dept. Store

Some Users

Of "DECO"

Lamps

Young Mtn's

ChristianAssn.,

New York City
New York Public

Library
Department o f

Education, City

of New York
Department o f

Dock s and

Ferries, City of

New York
Thompson

Starrett Co.
Hercules Powder

Co.
American Car &

Foundry Co.
Atlantic City Steel

Pier Co.
Central Coal &

Iron Co.

ARGON

40, 60 and 75 Watt
Gas-Filled Lamps

"DECO"

40-60 and 75 Watt Gas Filled Lamps were the first of their
kind on the market.

"DECO"

40-60 and 75 Watt Gas Filled Lamps were the first to be ac-
cepted by consumers as practicable and successful.
We are now the first to reduce the list price on "DECO" 40-
60 and 75 Watt Gas Filled Lamps.

"DECO" Always Ahead!

New List Prices in effect May ISth:

40 Watt Gas Filled Lamps, each $0.60

60 Watt Gas Filled Lamps, each 60

75 Watt Gas Filled Lamps, each .65

AGENTS WANTED

Special Discounts on Nitrogen, Tungsten and Carbon Lamps

DEUTH & CO., Inc.

Equitable Bldg. 120 Broadway

NEW YORK CITY

Chicago Agent: Peerless Light Co.

June, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

BUYERS CLASSIFIED INDEX (Con'd)

UaKiiet Wire.
American Steel & Wire Co.
Hazard Mfg. Co.
Alfred F. Moore
Standard Underground Cable

Co.
Western Electric Co.

Mechanical Stokers.

Baker & Co., Inc.
Westlnghouse Machine Co.

Metal — Perforated.
Erdle Perforating Co.

Metal Polish.

Ever- Ready Mfg. Co.

Metal Punching.
Erdle Perforating Co.

Metals.

American Platinum Works.

Meters.

Duncan Electric Mfg. Co.
Westlnghouse Electric & Mfg.

Co.
Weston Elec. Instrument Co.

Meter Testers.

states Co.

Mica — Insulating Material.
Chicago Mica Co.

Mining Machinery.
Allis-Chalmers Mfg. Co.
General Elect. Co.

Molding— Metal.

National Metal Molding Co.

Motors — (See Generators and
Motors)

Oils — (See Lubricants).

Oils— Illuminating,
Galena Signal Oil Co.

Oil Starters.

Conduit Elec. Mfg. Co.

Ozonlrers.

General Electric Co.
Westlnghouse Elec. & Mfg. Co.

Paints — Graphite.
Detroit Graphite Co.

Paints — Insulating.
Standard Underground Cable
Co.

Panelboards.

Adam Electric Co., Frank
General Electric Co.
I Trumbull-Vanderpoel Electric
Mfg. Co.
Western Electric Co.
Westlnghouse Elec. & Mfg. Co.

Patent Attorneys.
Howe, Thomas

Perforated Metals.
Erdle Perforating Co.

Photometer Standards.

Electrical Testing Laborator-
ies.

Plus — Iron.
Southern Exchange Co., The

Platinum,

American Platinum Works.
Baker & Co.

Plugs — Flush and Receptacles.

National Metal Molding Co.

Pole Line Material.

Barnes & Kobert Mfg. Co.

Poles — Ornamental Street.

Brady Elec". & Mfg. Co.
Meyer Mfg. Co., Fred J

Poles — Brackets — Pins, Etc.
Brady Elect. & Mfg. Co.
Brookfleld Glass Co.
Reeves Co., The
Southern Exchange Co.. The
Thomas & Co., R.
Western Elec. Co.

Porcelain.
R. Thomas & Sons Co.

Pot-Heads.

Brady Elec. & Mfg. Co.
Electrical Engineers' BquW>

Co.
Okonite Co.. The

Standard Underground Cable
Co.

Producers — Gas.

Westlnghouse Machine Co

Public Service Reports.

Law Publishing Co.

Pumps.

Allis-Chalmers Mfg. Co.

Rail Bonds.

American Steel & Wire Co
General Electric Co.
Roebling's Sons Co., J. A

Receptacles — (See Sockets'

Recording Instruments.

Bristol Co.

Uehling Instrument Co.

Rectifiers.

General Electric Co.
Westlnghouse Elec. & Mfg. Co

Reels.
Minn. Elec. & Cons. Co

Reflectors.

Erdle Perforating Co.
General Electric Co.
Pittsburg Reflector & Ilium. Co
Westingbouse Elec. & Mfg. Co

Resistance Rods.
Dixon Crucible Co., Joseph

Resistance Units.

General Electric Co.

Ward Leonard Electric Co.

Resistance Wire— (See Wires).

Rheostats.

Erdle Perforating Co.
General Electric Co.
Simplex Electric Heating Co
Ward Leonard Electric Co.
Westlnghouse Elec. & Mfg. C<>

Rosettes.

National Metal Molding Co

Schools.

Branch School of Engineering

Screens and Sieves — Perforated
Erdle Perforating Co.

Segment Cement.
Acme Compound & Mfg. Co

Searchlights.

General Electric Co.

Sewing Machine Motors.
Westlnghouse Elec. & Mfg. <•»

Shade Holders.
A.-A. Electric Co.

Shafts— Flexible.
Stow Mfg. Co.

Sockets and Receptacles.

General Electric Co.
Johns-Manville Co., H. W.
National Metal Molding Co

Sockets — Turndown.
General Electric Co.

Soldering Irons.

Westingbouse Elec. & Mfg. Co

Soldering Material.

Alex R. Benson Co.

Solenoids.

General Electric Co.

Stage Lighting Apparatus.

1 General Electric Co.
Ward Leonard Electric Co.

rfioOVER

SUCTION SWEEPER!

One dealer sold 24 Hoovers
in a single day

This record was made during
a special selling drive on Hoovers
during the month of March.
The 1915 business of this same
dealer was over $30,000.

Would the same selling effort back of any-
other cleaner accomplish the same result?
No! Because The Hoover does what
other machines claim to do. It has
been proved 98.5% efficient. It cleans
thoroughly because it's the only electric
carpet sweeper and vacuum cleaner
combined.

ASK HOW

the selling records mentioned above, were
made on The Hoover — ask also for full in-
formation on our proposition to dealers.

The Hoover Suction
Sweeper Co.

£. Maple Ave.
New Berlin,
Ohio

| Catalogs That Sell Goods [

| H When the ECLIPSE LIGHT COMPANY con- j

§j templated printing its latest catalogs, we considered |

U the fact that a great many electrical dealers do not j

| carry stock. |

1 ^ And so in issuing our No. 42 and Np. 43 we j

■ brought out catalogs containing cuts that are more |

I than mere illustrations of the merchandise — They |

B are photographic reproductions of Lighting Fixtures, j

B Fixture Parts, and Lamps that have a real selling^ j

g value, arranged and indexed to appeal to your cus- |

3 tomers as well as to you.

H <j£ A request on your business letterhead brings you j

gj either the "Leader in Light," oui complete catalog , j

5 of fixtures, appliances and supplies or "Lighting Fix- j

I tures of Qualityr' just fixtures and lamps shown at |

m their very best. Which do you prefer?

| ECLIPSE LIGHT COMPANY j

g New Address

| 583-85-87 Broadway New York, N. Y. j

IlllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllJIIIM

ELECTRICAL AGE

June, 1916

BUYERS CLASSIFIED INDEX (Con'dj

Staples — Insulatin

American Steel & Wire Co

Starters and Controllers — Motor.

General Electric Co.
Ward Leonard Electric Co.
Westinghouse Elec. & Mfg. Co.

Steel Armored Wire.

Okonite Co.. The

Standard Underground
Co.

Cable

Stocks and Bonds.
Electric Bond & Share Co.

Stores — Electric — (See Heating
Apparatus — Electrical) .

Strainers — Perforated.

Erdle Perforating Co.

Substations — Outdoor.

General Electric Co.

Supplies — Electrical.
Clark, Jas. Jr., Elec. Co., Inc.
Delta-Star Elec. Co.
General Electric Co.
National Elect. Supply Co.
National Metal Molding Co.
Western Elec. Co.
Westinghouse Elec. & Mfg. Co
Weston Elec. Instrument Co.

Supplies — Telephone.
Johns-Manville Co., H.
Southern Electric Co.
Western Elec. Co.

Surfacing; — Steel and Tin.

Erdle Perforating Co.

Switchboard Supplies.

General Electric Co.

Switchboards — Light and Pow-
er.

Frank Adam Electric Co.
Allis-Chalmers Mfg. Co.
General Electric Co.
Minerallac-Electric Co.
Western Elec. Co.
Westinghouse Elec. & Mfg. Co

Switchboards — Telephone — (See
Telephone Equipment).

Switches — Automatic amp.

Switches — Flush and Snap.
National Metal Molding Co.
Newark Electric Supply Co.
Southern Electric Co.
Westinghouse Elec. & Mfg. Co.

Switches — Fuse.
General Electric Co.

Switches — Knife.
Adam Elec. Co., Frank.
General Electric Co.
Trumbull-Vanderpoel Electric

Mfg. Co.
Westinghouse Elec. & Mfg. Co.

Switches — Oil.

General Electric Co.

High Tension Elec. Spec. Co.

Westinghouse Elec. & Mfg. Co

Switches — Pole Top.
Delta-Star Elec. Co.
General Electric Co.

Switches — Remote Control.

General Electric Co.

Switches — Time.
Campbell Elec. Co.
Reliance Automatic
Co.

Lighting

Tape.
American Electrical Works.
Mechanical Rubber Co.
Newark Electric Supply Co.
Okonite Co.. The
Standard Underground Cable
Co.

Telephones — Intercommunicat-
ing'— (See Telephone Equip-
ment.

Telephone Equipment.

Western Elec. Co.

Terminals — Cable.

Dossert & Co.

Standard Underground Cable
Co.

Test Clips.
Mueller. R. S.. * Oo.

Testing- Apparatus.

Bristol Co.
Silberberg, M. J.
Thompson Levering Co.

Testing — Electrical.

Electrical Testing Lahorator-

National Elec. Laboratories

Theater Dimmers.
General Electric Co.
Ward Leonard Electric Co.

Time Study Watch.
Silberberg, M. J.

Tools — Linemen's.

Oshkosh Mfg. Co.
Western Elec. Co.

T ransf ormers .
Allis-Chalmers Mfg. Co.
Columbia Metal Box Co.
Duncan Electric Mfg. Co
Enterprise Electric Co.
General Electric Co.
Kuhlman Electric Co.
Moloney Electric Co.
Western Elec. Co.
Westinghouse Elec. & Mfg. Co
Weston Elec. Inst. Co.

Transformers — Bell Ringing.

Southern Electric Co.
Westinghouse Elec. k. Mfg. Co

Turbines — Steam.
Allis-Chalmers Mfg. Co.
General Electric Co.
Leffel & Co., James.
Western Elec. Co.
Westinghouse Elec. A Mfg. Co

Vacuum Ceaners.
Hoover Suction Sweeper Co.
Western Elec. Co.

Ventilators.
Erdle Perforating Co.

Washing Machines — Bleetsia.

Western Elec. Co.

Washers — Iron, Steel and
Chicago Mica Co.
Erdle Perforating Co.

Water Wheels and Tnrblneo

Allis-Chalmers Mfg. Co.
Leffel & Co., James.

Wattmeters — (See Instrument* —
Electrical).

Wires & Cables.

American Electrical Worka
American Platinum Work's
American Steel & Wire Co.
Detroit Insulated Wire Ce.
General Electric Co.
Hazard Mfg. Co.
Indiana Rubber & Insulate*

Wire Co.
Lowell Ins. Wire Co.
Moore, Alfred F.
Okonite Co., The
Roebling's Sons Co., John A
Phillips Insulated Wire Co
Rome Wire Co.
Southern Electric Co.
Simplex Wire & Cable Co.
Standard Underground Cabu

Co.
Western Elec. Co.

Alternating Current
Switchboard Instruments

possess to a marked degree those qualities of
originality and excellence of mechanical and
electrical design and construction that distinguish
WESTON products from all others, and we claim for
them a perfection with respect to accuracy, reliability,
serviceability and durability that is unapproached.

These Instruments are the perfected product
many years of specialization. The modern art
electrical measurement was created
by the founder of this Company.
Our immense plant is devoted ex-
clusively to the manufacture of the
world's highest grade Electrical In-
struments of precision.

Write for Catalog 16

Complete groups of Weston
Switchboard Instrument Trans-
formers are described in Bulle-
tin 1501.

commercial

Weston Electrical Instrument Co.

51 Weston Ave!, Newark, N. J.

New York

Boston

Philadelphia

Buffalo

Richmond

Pittsburgh

Cincinnati

Cleveland

St. Louis

Chicago

Detroit

Denver

San Francisco

Toronto

Montreal

Winnipeg

Vancouver

The Name
Guarantees Satisfaction

"WILLEY" Electric Drills have behind them
15 years of successful manufacture. Thorough
experiment was the rule before placing new
designs on the market. The result— every
customer a satisfied one. When you buy an
electric drill insist on one bearing the name

WILLEY"

Every part ismanufactured in
ourshops, ehabling us to guar-
antee absolute satisfaction.
"WILLEY" Drills are always
readyfor use and cosumepower
only when in op-
eration. As there
are no belts to slip
they save time and
trouble.

If you want drill-sat
isf action, get a "WIL-
LEY. ' ' We would like
to send you our catalog

James Clark, Jr.,
Electric Co., Inc.

518 W. Main St.
Louisville, Ky.

June, 1916

ELECTRICAL AGE

THE NORTON

(D'Arsonval Type)

SWITCHBOARD INSTRUMENTS

NORTON

Instruments
represent
QUALITY,
ACCURACY and
DURABILITY

Prompt
Service and
Satisfaction
Guaranteed
It will pay
you to write
for Discounts.

Norton Electrical Instrument Co.

MANCHESTER, CONN., U. S. A.

We Purchase

Burned-Out Lamps, both Car-
bon and Tungsten Types, at
Prices that are satisfactory
to you, and we can sell you

Best Grade Renewed Lamps

Both Carbon and Tungsten Types
We guarantee you most for the money

I Boston-Economy Lamp Division

I National Lamp Works of General Electric C«.

1 128 Maple Street Danvers, Mass.

iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

Acme Compound Mfg. Co 82-

Adam Electric Co., Frank 86

AJliB Chalmers Mfg. Co 15

American Circular Loom Co

Back Cover
American Conduit Mfg. Co

Back Cover
American Electrical Works

Back Cover

American Platinum Works 85

American Steel & Wire Co 22

Arnold Company 84

Atlanta Elec. Machine Co 22

Baker & Co 82

Barnes & Kobert Mfg. Co 82

Benson Co., Alex R. 81

Boston Economy Lamp Div 91

Brady Electric & Mfg. Co 79

Branch School of Engineering 78

Bristol Co Back Cover

Brookneld Glaes Co Back Cover

Byllesby & Co.. H. M 84

Calebaugh Self-Lubricating Car-
bon Co 16

Campbell Elec. Co 79

Chattanooga Armature Works 13

Chicago Mica Co 79

Clark Elec. Co., Inc., Jas., Jr 90

Columbia Metal Box Co 17

Condit Electrical Mfg. Co. 18

Continental Fibre Co.. 23

Cooper & Co., Hugh L 84

Crocker-Wheeler Co 19

Daum Co., A. F 17

Delta Star Elec. Co 23

Detroit Graphite Co 10

Detroit Ins. Wire Co Back Cover

Deuth&Co 88

Dickinson Mfg. Co 23

Dixon Crucible Co., Joseph 23

Dixon-Smith Eng'g Co 84

Dossert& Co 14

Duncan Elect. Co 83

Eclipse Light Co 89

Economy Fuse & Mfg. Co 80

Electric Bond & Share Co 85

Electrical Testing Laboratories 84

Enameled Metals Co 19

Enterprise Electric Co 18

Erdle Perforating Co 82

F
Fryer, Roy C 84

Galena Signal Oil Co 80

General Electric Co 6

General Vehicle Co 21

Gest. G. M 84

Hazard Mfg. Co Back Cover

Hemingray Glass Co 23

Herwig Art Shade & Lamp Co 83

High Tension Elec. Spec. Co 81

Hoover Suction Sweeper Co 89

Howe, Thomas 84

Hubbard & Co 8

Hygrade Lamp Co 16

Indiana Rubber & Insulated Wire
Co 83

Jackson, D. C. & Wm. B 84

Kuhlman Elec. Co.

Leffel&Co., James 80

Locke Insulator Mfg. Co 77

Lowell Insulated Wire Co.. Back Cover
Lux Mfg. Co 22

Matthews Elec. Supply Co., Inc 8i

Mechanical Rubber Co. 11

Mentzer & Co., J. P 20

Minneapolis Elec. & Cons. Co 8S

Moloney Elec. Co.. .Inside Back Cover

Moore, Alfred F 83

Mueller & Co., R. S 20

Multi Refillable Fuse Co. .. Back Cover

National Elec. Laboratories . 84

National Lamp Works 9

National Metal Molding Co 13

Newark Electric Supply Co 79

Norton Elect. Inst. Co 91

Nungesser Carbon & Battery Co.. 81

Okonite Co., The 16

OshkoshMfg. Co 14

Phillips Ins. Wire Co 79

Pillsbury, Chas. L 84

Pittsburgh Reflector & 111. Co 79

Robbins & Myers Co. — — 11

Roebling's Sons Co., John A 79

Rome Wire Co Back Cover

Samson Cordage Works 22

Sanderson & Porter — 86

Scofield Eng'g Co 84

Schug Elec. Mfg. Co 22

Simplex Wire & Cable Co 77

Southern Electric Co — 81

Southern Exchange Co. 80

Spiker. Wm. C— 84

Sprague Elec. Wks 20

Standard Underground Cable Co... 20

Star Fan & Motor Works

Inside Back Cover

States Co.. The 23

Steel City Electric Co.. 81

Stone & Webster Eng. Corp - 86

Stow Mfg. Co 81

Thomas & Sons Co., R... 22

Thomasville Iron Wks 86

Trumbull-Vanderpoel Elec. Mfg.
Co 1»

Tubular Woven Fabric Co

Front Cover

Uehling Instrument Co Back Covet

V
Venus Electric Lamp Co 17

Want Advertisements.. 86

Ward Leonard Elec. Co J4

Western Conduit Co 16

Western Electric Co 7

Westinghoase Elec. & Mfg. Co

92 and Inside Front Cover
Weston Electrical Instrument Co... 90

White Companies, J. G 85

Wood Electric Co.. Inc., C. D 17

ELECTRICAL AGE

June, 1916

The reputation of Westing-
house Watthour Meters for
unequalled sustained accuracy
rests upon the ball bearing
which supports the main shaft.

Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company

East Pittsburgh, Pa.

Atlanta, Ga.
Baltimore, Md.
Birmingham, Ala.
Bluefield, W. Va.
Boston, Mass.
Buffalo, N. Y.
Butte, Mont.

Charleston, W,Va.
Charlotte, N. C.
Chicago, 111.
Cincinnati, O.
Cleveland,' O.
Columbus, O.
*Dallas, Texas

Dayton, O.
Denver, Colo.
Detroit, Mich.
*E1 Paso, Texas
"Houston, Texas
Indianapolis, Ind.
Joplin, Mo.

Kansas City, Mo.
Louisville, Ky. 5.1
Los Angeles, Cal.
Memphis. Tenn.
Milwaukee, Wis.
Minneapolis, Minn.
New Orleans, La.

New York, N. Y.
Omaha, Neb.
Philadelphia, Pa.
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Portland, Ore.
Rochester, N. Y.
St. Louis, Mo.

SaltLakeCity.Utah
San Francisco, Cal.
Seattle, Wash.
Syracuse, N. Y.
Toledo, O.
Washington, D.C.
*W E. & M. Co.,
of Texas

ELECTRICAL AGE

TRANSFORMERS

Manufactured for all electrical purposes
in any size, frequency or -Voltage.

Lighting and Power Transformers
High Transmission Transformers
Single and 3-Phase Transformers

To secure prices ginJe us K* W. capacity
-Voltage, cycles, transformers required.

MOLONEY E

St/ Louis, Mo.

District Offices -. NewYork

CTRIC CO.

Windsor, Canada

Chicago- SgLii Francisco.

Whenever placed on actual test the STAR FAN shines above the rest

Star Fans are made of drawn steel and highest quality of elec-
trical materials. These fans are made in two most efficient sizes,
12 und 16 inch direct current all voltages oscillating and station-
ary types. Note particularly the ball and socket joint which
allows these fans to be used as either a desk or bracket fan by merely turning the thumb screw. The mechanical
features of Jthese fans, make them absolutely fool proof. This applies particularly to the oscillating type.

The above motors range from 1-32 to 1 H. P. all voltages, direct current. They are the most compact and rugged small motors on the market.

ALL OUR PRODUCTS ARE GUARANTEED.

STAR FAN and MOTOR WORKS 245-247 N. J. R. R. Ave., Newark, N. J.

ELECTRICAL AGE

HIGHEST POSSIBLE AWARD
FOR BRISTOL'S RECORDING INSTRUMENTS

At The Panama-Pacific Exposition

Bristol Recording Instruments were awarded the Grand Prize
which is the highest possible award. The merits of Bristol
Recorders, combined with the marked progress which has been
made in their manufacture, is the reason for their superiority.

WRITE FOR BULLETIN 200-R

THE BRISTOL COMPANY Waterbury, Conn.

Branch Offices: Boston New York Chicago Pittsburgh San Francisco

MULTI REFILLABLE FUSES

will cut your fuse maintenance on motor circuits in
two. They are doing so for others, why not for you?
Accurate in rating, dependable under all conditions of
service. Easily and quickly refilled.

Write for samples, catalogue and discounts.

Malti Refillable Fuse Co., 723 Fulton St., Chicago

RUBBER COVERED WIRE
ROME WIRE CO.

ROME

NEW YORK

UEHLING

COa RECORDERS

To know the amount
of fuel wasted up
the chimney is the
first step toward
Higher Boiler Effi-
ciency.
Write for particulars

Uehling
Instrument Co.

Uehling Combined ____ _ „. ,

Col and Stack Tern- 2005 En»P«re Bid*.,
perature Recorder. New York City

Recorder of Co2 and Stack
Temperature On One Chart.

Ifaaato

Uniform in Quality— Quality the Best

The American Conduit Mfg. Co.
Pittsburgh, Pa.

DETROIT

RUBBER COVERED

WIRES

"Reg. U. S. Patent Office"

DETROIT
INSULATED
WIRE
COMPANY

Robertson Sale*
Co., Inc.,
Southern
Sale* Agent*,
1905 American
Trust Bldg.,
Birmingham, Ala.

CONDUITS

"Xduct" Galvanized.
"Electroduct" Enameled.
"Loomflex" Non-metallic.
"Genuine Circular Loom" Non-
metallic.

American Circular Loom Co

90 West St., N. Y. City

AND INSULATOR PINS

"Standard for 50 Years"

Stock Sizes for all voltages and specials made
to order

REG U S PAT OFF

WRITE FOR CATALOG

New York

PENH

NEW COD
WIRES

HAZARD MFG. CO.

WILKES-BARRE. PA.

NEW YORK

PITTSBURGH

CHICAGO

TURNER ELECTRIC SUPPLY COMPANY

Agents and Distributors
Birmingham Alabama

Shadow Cord. Lamp Cord

LOWELL INSULATED WIRE CO.

Lowell, Mass.

N.E.C.S. Wire Telephone Wire

American
Electrical Works

Makers of

Bare and Insulated Wires and Cables

Of Highest Quality

PHILLIPSDALE - - - R. L

New York Chicago Cincinnati Montreal Boston

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